Multiport assembly and associated components

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods of using a multiport assembly and associated components are disclosed. The multiport assembly can include a multiport device that communicatively couples multiple sets or pairs of connectors, such as optical connectors or electrical connectors, together. The multiport assembly can also include an auxiliary port device that couples to the multiport device to expand the capacity of the multiport assembly. Both the multiport and auxiliary port devices can be selectively configured to receive specific types of connectors by selectively coupling to different types of adapters, where the types of adapters correspond to the types of connectors. When coupled to the multiport or auxiliary port devices, the adapters facilitate the formation of the communication between its corresponding set of connectors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No.63/036,950, filed Jun. 9, 2020, and to U.S. Provisional App. No.63/086,909, filed Oct. 2, 2020, and to U.S. Provisional App. No.63/191,073, filed May 20, 2021, and to U.S. Provisional App. No.63/191,074, filed on May 20, 2021, and to U.S. Provisional App. No.63/191,077, filed on May 20, 2021, the entireties of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to connections for opticaland/or electrical transmission and distribution, and, more specifically,to a multiport assembly for making multiple connections, and componentsassociated with the multiport assembly.

BACKGROUND

Connectors are used within electromagnetic transmission networks tointerconnect optical and/or electrical cables to optical and/orelectrical devices or other optical or electrical cables.Electromagnetic connections of this type typically involve twoconnectors coupled together either directly or with the assistance of anadapter.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a multiport device for connecting connectors capable oftransmitting electricity and/or optical waves comprises a first porthousing including a plurality of first ports. Each first port isconfigured to receive and couple to one of the connectors. A second porthousing includes a plurality of second ports. Each second port isconfigured to receive and couple to one of the connectors. The first andsecond port housings are releasably coupled together. When the first andsecond port housings are coupled together, the first and second portsare aligned with each other such that a communication connection isformed between first and second connectors when the first connector iscoupled to one of the first ports and the second connector is coupled toone of the second ports corresponding to said one of the first ports.

In another aspect, a multiport device for connecting connectors capableof transmitting electricity and/or optical waves is disclosed. Eachconnector includes a ferrule assembly. The multiport device comprises aport housing including a port configured to receive and couple to afirst connector of the connectors and a receptacle receiver sized andshaped for selectively receiving at least a portion of an adaptertherein. The port and receptacle receiver are arranged such that whenthe first connector is coupled to the port and the adapter is receivedin the receptacle receiver, the ferrule assembly of the first connectoris received by the adapter.

In another aspect, a multiport device kit for connecting connectorscapable of transmitting electricity and/or optical waves comprises afirst adapter configured for connectors of a first type. A secondadapter is configured for connectors of a second type. A first porthousing includes a first port configured to receive and couple to afirst connector and a first receptacle receiver sized and shaped forselectively receiving a portion of either the first or second adaptertherein. A second port housing is configured to couple to the first porthousing. The second port housing includes a second port configured toreceive and couple to a second connector and a second receptaclereceiver sized and shaped for selectively receiving a portion of eitherthe first or second adapter therein. The first and second receptaclereceivers align with each other when the first and second port housingsare coupled together such that only one of the first or second adapterscan be received by the aligned first and second receptacle receivers.

In another aspect, a port device for connecting to a connector capableof transmitting electricity and/or optical waves has a movable latchyieldably biased in a latching position and movable to an unlatchingposition comprises a port housing including a port configured to receiveand couple to the connector. The port includes a latch retainerconfigured to be engaged by the latch of the connector to secure theconnector to the port. The latch retainer is configured to engage anddeflect the latch toward the unlatching position as the connector isinserted in an insertion direction into the port.

In another aspect, a connector for being plugged into a port of a portdevice comprises a ferrule assembly defining a connection end of theconnector. A port engagement portion is spaced apart from the connectionend of the connector along a longitudinal axis of the connector towardan opposite cable end of the connector. The port engagement portionincludes a port insert body sized and shaped for being received in theport of the port device when the connector is plugged into the port. Adeflectable latch is coupled to the port insert body and is configuredfor latching engagement with the port device to releasably retain theconnector in the port.

In another aspect, a multiport device for connecting connectors ofdifferent types capable of transmitting electricity and/or optical wavesis disclosed. Each connector includes a ferrule assembly. The multiportdevice comprises a port housing including a plurality of ports. Eachport is configured to receive and couple to one of the connectors. Theport housing includes a plurality of identification insert mounts. Eachidentification insert mount is disposed on an exterior of the porthousing to align with and visually correspond to one of the plurality ofports. A plurality of identification inserts are included. Eachidentification insert includes indicia identifying one type of theconnector. Each identification insert includes an identification insertcoupler configured to couple to one of the identification insert mountscorresponding to one of the plurality of ports to attach saididentification insert to the port housing such that said identificationinsert provides a visual indication of the type of connector to bereceived by said one port of the plurality of ports.

In another aspect, an auxiliary port device for a multiport devicecomprises a first port housing including a first port. The first port isconfigured to receive and couple to a first connector. A second porthousing includes a second port. The second port is configured to receiveand couple to a second connector. The first and second port housings arereleasably coupled together. When the first and second port housings arecoupled together, the first and second ports are aligned with each othersuch that a communication connection is formed between the first andsecond connectors when the first connector is coupled to the first portand the second connector is coupled to the second port. A mountingstructure of the auxiliary port device is configured to facilitatemounting the auxiliary port on the multiport device.

Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in partapparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a multiport assembly according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of a multiport device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure, the multiport device being part ofthe multiport assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the multiport device, the rear view beingidentical thereto;

FIG. 4 is an and exploded view of the of multiport device;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of a port housing of the multiport device, witha connector and an adapter coupled to the port housing;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section of the multiport assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary section in perspective through a portof the multiport device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8A is a perspective of one embodiment of an MPO optical connectoraccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is an exploded perspective of the MPO connector of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a perspective of a port engagement portion of the MPOconnector of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the MPO connector of FIG.8A attached to the port housing, with an adapter attached to the porthousing;

FIG. 10 is a perspective of the adapter of FIG. 9, the adapter useablewith the MPO connector of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 11 is a vertical section thereof;

FIG. 12 is a vertical section of an optical connection formed within anadapter of FIG. 9 between two connectors of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 13 is a section through the multiport assembly with the adapter ofFIG. 9 attached to the multiport device of FIG. 2, the section showingthe connection formed within the adapter between two MPO connectors ofFIG. 8A;

FIG. 14 is a perspective of an SC connector;

FIG. 15 is a perspective of another embodiment of an adapter useablewith the SC connector of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a vertical section thereof;

FIG. 17 is a vertical section of a communication connection formedwithin an adapter of FIG. 15 between two SC connectors of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 a perspective of an SN (duplex LC) connector according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a perspective of another embodiment of an adapter useablewith the SN connector of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a vertical section thereof;

FIG. 21 is a cross-section of a communication connection formed withinan adapter of FIG. 19 between two SN connectors of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary section through the multiport assembly with theadapter of FIG. 19 attached to the multiport device of FIG. 2, thesection showing the communication connection formed within the adapterbetween two SN connectors of FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is a perspective of another embodiment of an SN (simplex)connector according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a perspective of a port engagement portion of the SNconnector of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective of the SN connector of FIG. 23 attached to themultiport device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged, fragmentary section of a port housing showing anidentification insert coupled to the port housing of the multiportdevice;

FIG. 27 is a perspective of an identification insert;

FIG. 28 is a perspective of an identification insert according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a perspective of an identification insert according to yetanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a perspective of an auxiliary port device according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure, with two connectors coupled to theauxiliary port device;

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the auxiliary port device;

FIG. 32 is perspective similar to FIG. 30, with a mounting bracketattached to the auxiliary port device;

FIG. 33 is a vertical section of the auxiliary port device with oneconnector attached to the auxiliary port device and another connectorbeing coupled to the auxiliary port device;

FIG. 34 is perspective of another embodiment of an auxiliary port deviceaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is an exploded view thereof;

FIG. 36 is perspective of a port housing of the auxiliary port device ofFIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a vertical section of the auxiliary port device of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a perspective of the auxiliary port device of FIG. 34attached to a mounting bracket;

FIG. 39 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 40 is a perspective of a multiport device according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 41A is a front perspective of a first port housing of the multiportdevice of FIG. 40;

FIG. 41B is a front perspective of a second port housing of themultiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42A is a rear perspective of the first port housing of themultiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42B is a rear perspective of the second port housing of themultiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43A is an enlarged view of the first port housing of the multiportdevice of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43B is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the second porthousing of the multiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 44 is a front perspective of the first port housing of themultiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 45 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 46 is a vertical section of the first port housing of the multiportdevice of FIG. 40;

FIG. 47 is a perspective of one embodiment of an MPO connector, the MPOconnector useable with the multiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 48 is an exploded view of the connector of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a perspective of a port engagement portion of the connectorof FIG. 47;

FIG. 50 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 51 is a cross-section thereof;

FIG. 52 is a rearward-looking exploded perspective of the portengagement portion of FIG. 49;

FIG. 53 is a forward-looking exploded view of the port engagementportion of FIG. 49;

FIG. 54 is a side view of the MPO connector of FIG. 47;

FIG. 55 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 56 is a vertical section thereof;

FIG. 57 is an exploded perspective of the MPO connector of FIG. 47, thesecond port housing of the multiport device of FIG. 40, and an adapteruseable with the MPO connector of FIG. 47;

FIG. 58 is a top view of the MPO connector of FIG. 47 and the adapter ofFIG. 57 attached to the second port housing of the multiport device ofFIG. 40;

FIG. 59 is a section taken through line 59-59 of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a section similar to FIG. 59, but showing a latch of the MPOconnector of FIG. 47 being deflected as the connector is pushed into thesecond port housing of the multiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 61 is a front view of FIG. 58;

FIG. 62 is a section taken through line 62-62 of FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a perspective of the MPO connector of FIG. 47 attached to theadapter of FIG. 57;

FIG. 64 is a perspective of an SC connector;

FIG. 65 is an exploded perspective of the SC connector of FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is an enlarged perspective of an end portion of the SC connectorof FIG. 64;

FIG. 67 is a top view of the connector of FIG. 64;

FIG. 68 is a vertical section of the connector of FIG. 64;

FIG. 69 is an exploded view of the SN connector of FIG. 64, a porthousing of the multiport device of FIG. 40, and an adapter useable withthe connector of FIG. 64;

FIG. 70 is a top view of the SN connector of FIG. 64 and the adapter ofFIG. 69 attached to a port housing of the multiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 71 is a section taken through line 71-71 of FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 is a section similar to FIG. 71, but showing a latch of theconnector of FIG. 64 being deflected as the connector is pushed into aport housing of the multiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 73 is a front view of the SN connector and port housing of FIG. 70;

FIG. 74 is a section taken through line 74-74 of FIG. 73;

FIG. 75 is a perspective of the SN connector of FIG. 64 attached to theadapter of FIG. 69;

FIG. 76 is a perspective of an SN (duplex) connector;

FIG. 77 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of a connection end ofthe connector of FIG. 76;

FIG. 78 is an exploded perspective of the SN connector of FIG. 76;

FIG. 79 is a side view of the SN connector of FIG. 76;

FIG. 80 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is a vertical section of the connector of FIG. 76;

FIG. 82 is an exploded view of the SN connector of FIG. 76, a porthousing of the multiport device of FIG. 40, and an adapter useable withthe SN connector of FIG. 76;

FIG. 83 is a top view of the SN connector of FIG. 76 and the adapter ofFIG. 82 attached to a port housing of the multiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 84 is a section taken through line 84-84 of FIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is a section similar to FIG. 84, but showing a latch of the SNconnector of FIG. 76 being deflected as the connector is pushed into aport housing of the multiport device of FIG. 40;

FIG. 86 is a front view of FIG. 83;

FIG. 87 is a section taken through line 87-87 of FIG. 86;

FIG. 88 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 87, with the adapter of FIG. 82hidden from view to reveal interior details;

FIG. 89 is a perspective of the SN connector of FIG. 76 attached to theadapter of FIG. 82;

FIG. 90 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 89;

FIG. 91 is a front perspective of an electrical connector according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 92 is an exploded view of the electrical connector of FIG. 91;

FIG. 93 is a rear perspective of the electrical connector of FIG. 91;

FIG. 94 is an exploded perspective of two port housings of a multiportdevice according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and anadapter usable with the electrical connector of FIG. 91;

FIG. 95 is a perspective of the adapter of FIG. 94;

FIG. 96 is a perspective of another embodiment of an auxiliary portdevice usable with the connectors of FIGS. 47, 64, and 76;

FIG. 97 is a bottom perspective of the auxiliary port device of FIG. 96;

FIG. 98 is a horizontal section of the auxiliary port device of FIG. 96;

FIG. 99 is a vertical section of a port housing of the auxiliary portdevice of FIG. 96;

FIG. 100 is a perspective of another embodiment of an auxiliary portdevice according to the present disclosure, the auxiliary port deviceusable with the connectors of FIG. 91;

FIG. 101 is similar to FIG. 100, with the two electrical connectors ofFIG. 91 removed from the auxiliary port device;

FIG. 102 is an exploded perspective of FIG. 101 with the adapter of FIG.94; and

FIG. 103 is a partially exploded perspective of the auxiliary portdevice of FIG. 100;

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure related to a multiport assembly, and associatedcomponents, for forming communication or transmission connections (e.g.,optical connections, electrical connections) between communicationcables, such as fiber optic cables and electrical cables. Generally,communication cables have connectors (e.g., optical connectors,electrical connectors) at an end thereof that are constructed to form acommunication connection with another communication device, such asanother connector. When coupled to the communication device (e.g.,another connector), the connector and the communication device form acommunication connection that enables communication between differentcommunication components (e.g., cables, devices, etc.) in acommunications network (e.g., an optical communications network, anelectrical communication network). Typically, the connector is attachedto an end of a communication cable, although other arrangements arewithin the scope of the present disclosure. Other configurations of themultiport assembly, and associated components, are within the scope ofthe present disclosure. For example, the multiport assembly andassociated component can be used to make other types of connections.

Referring to FIG. 1, a multiport assembly according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure is generally indicated at reference numeral 10.The multiport assembly 10 is used to form communication connectionsbetween a plurality of communication devices. The multiport assembly 10includes a multiport device (broadly, a port device), generallyindicated at 110, a plurality of connectors, generally indicated at 310,a plurality of adapters, generally indicated at 210 (FIGS. 10, 15, and19), a plurality of identification inserts, generally indicated at 410,and/or one or more auxiliary port devices, generally indicated at 510.The connectors 310 are adapted for use with both the multiport device110 and the auxiliary port device 510. The multiport assembly 10, ormore particularly a collection of its component parts and/or a sub-setof its component parts, may be referred to as a “kit.”

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the multiport device 110 connects connectors 310together. Specifically, the multiport device 110 is configured tointerchangeably mate with a plurality of different types of connectors310. The multiport device 110 includes a port body 112 having first andsecond port housings 114. The multiport device 110 has opposite firstand second end portions defined by the port body 112 (e.g., defined bythe respective first and second port housings 114). The first and secondend portions are spaced apart along a central longitudinal axis CLA(FIG. 2). The first and second port housings 114 are generallyidentical. Accordingly, the first port housing 114 will now be describedwith the understanding its description also applies to the second porthousing.

The first port housing 114 includes a plurality of ports 116 (e.g.,first ports with the second port housing including a plurality of secondports). In the illustrated embodiment, the first port housing 114 isgenerally cylindrical in shape (e.g. disc shaped) and the ports arecircumferentially spaced apart about the central longitudinal axis CLAnear the perimeter (e.g., circumference) of the first port housing. Thefirst port housing 114 has an inner end portion and an outer end portionspaced apart along the central longitudinal axis CLA. The outer endportion of the first port housing 114 defines one of the first or secondend portions of the port body 112. Each port 116 is generally identical.Each port 116 is configured to receive and couple to a connector 310.Each port 116 extends generally longitudinally (e.g. in an insertion orplug-in direction) along the first port housing from the outer endportion toward the inner end portion. Each port 116 has (e.g., defines)an opening (e.g., port opening or outer opening) generally at the outerend portion and a connector socket 118 (FIG. 7) extending (generallylongitudinally) toward the inner end portion of the first port housing114 from the opening. The opening and connector socket 118 are sized andshaped to receive the connector 310 (e.g., a portion or at least aportion of the connector). In the illustrated embodiment, the openingand connector socket 118 are generally circular. The connector 310 isconnected to the port 116 by inserting or plugging the connector 310into the connector socket 118 in the insertion direction. As will becomeapparent, when the connector 310 mates with one of the ports 116, theconnector also mates with a communication device, such as anotherconnector (when the communication device is plugged into a correspondingport 116).

The first port housing 114 includes (e.g., defines) a coupling passage128 (FIG. 5) that extends longitudinally through the first port housingfrom the outer end portion through the inner end portion. The couplingpassage 128 is generally located in the middle of the first port housing114 such that the ports 116 are spaced apart radially outward from thecoupling passage and circumferentially spaced from one another about thecoupling passage. As explained in more detail below, the couplingpassage 128 is used to couple the first and second port housings 114together. The coupling passage 128 is generally circular. The first porthousing 114 includes a key element 130 along the coupling passage 128.In the illustrated embodiment, the key element is a longitudinal slotthat opens through the outer end portion of the first port housing 114.

The first and second port housings 114 are configured to be selectivelyand releasably coupled together. The first and second port housings 114are coupled together inner-end-portion-to-inner-end-portion to form theport body 112. When the first and second port housings 114 are coupledtogether, the ports 116 of the first and second port housings 114 arealigned with each other (e.g., each port of the first port housing isaligned with a corresponding port of the second port housing) such thata communication connection is formed between two (e.g., first andsecond) connectors 310 when the first connector is coupled to the portof the first port housing and the second connector is coupled to a portof the second port housing that corresponds to (e.g., aligns with) saidport of the first port housing. Specifically, the connector sockets 118of corresponding ports 116 of the first and second port housings 114align (e.g., longitudinally align) with each other when the first andsecond port housings are coupled together. Thus, the first and secondport housings 114 are able to hold a plurality of connectors 310together, such that each set or pair of communications connectors formsa communication connection therebetween through the sockets 118.Accordingly, the multiport device 110 can be used to create a pluralityof communication connections for a plurality of connector sets.

The first and second port housings 114 engage each other along aninterface when coupled together. Specifically, the inner end portions ofthe first and second port housings 114 engage each other and form theinterface. The interface is generally planar and generally perpendicularto the central longitudinal axis CLA. The multiport device 110 includesa first or outer seal 120 at the interface of the first and second porthousings 114. The outer seal 120 forms a fluid tight seal at theinterface of the first and second port housings 114. The multiportdevice 110 also includes a second or inner seal 122 (e.g., compressibleseal) at the interface of the first and second port housings 114. Theinner seal 122 also forms (e.g., is configured to form) a fluid tightseal at the interface of the first and second port housings 114. Theouter and inner seals 120, 122 are concentrically arranged, with theouter seal generally disposed radially outward of the ports 116 and theinner seal generally disposed radially inward of the ports.Specifically, the outer and inner seals 120, 122 are concentricallyarranged such that each inner opening (at the inner end portion) that isin communication with one of the ports 116 (e.g., connector socket 118)is disposed between the outer and inner seals (when the first and secondport housings 114 are coupled together). In one embodiment, outer andinner seal 120, 122 may comprise compressible O-rings. In theillustrated embodiment, the inner end portion of each port housing 114includes an annular outer perimeter seal groove 124 (FIG. 5) configuredto receive a portion of the outer seal 120 therein and an annular innerperimeter seal groove 126 configured to receive a portion of the innerseal 122 therein. The outer perimeter seal groove 124 is spaced apartradially outward of the inner openings and the inner perimeter sealgroove 126 is spaced apart radially inward of the inner openings. Whenthe first and second port housings 114 are secured together, the outerand inner seals 120, 122 seal the interface between the first and secondport housings to inhibit ingress of dust or water into the ports throughthe interface between the first and second port housings.

The multiport device 110 includes a coupler 132 (FIG. 6). The coupler132 is configured to releasably couple the first and second porthousings 114 together. The coupler 132 is received in the couplingpassages 128 of the first and second port housings 114 to secure theport housings together. The coupler 132 includes first and second hubs134, each configured to be received in one of the coupling passages 128of the first or second port housing 114. The coupler 132 includes asuitable fastener such as a bolt 136 and a nut 138. The bolt 136 and nut138 clamp the first and second hubs 134 (and thereby fasten the firstand second port housings 114 together). Each hub 134 is generallycylindrical with a central fastener passage, that receives the bolt 136,extending longitudinally through the middle of the hub. The coupler 132is configured to engage the first and second port housings 114 toprevent the first and second port housings from rotating relative toeach other. Each hub 134 includes a hub key 140 (FIG. 5) configured toengage one of the port housings 114. The hub key 140 is slidablyreceived into the key element 130 to inhibit rotation of the hub 134with respect to the port housing 114. Each hub 134 also includes a lip142 along the outer perimeter of the outboard end portion thereof thatis configured to engage the outer end face of the outer end portion ofthe port housing 114. To secure the first and second port housings 114together, the port housings are arrangedinner-end-portion-to-inner-end-portion, the hubs 134 are inserted intothe coupling passages 128 so that the hub keys 140 slide into and arereceived in the key element 130 and the lips 142 engage the outer endfaces of the respective first and second port housings. After, the bolt136 is inserted through the hubs 134 and the nut 138 is threaded thereonto draw the hubs together thereby securing the first and second porthousings 114 together. It will be understood that other ways ofconnecting the port housings 114 to each other may be employed.

In one embodiment, the multiport device 110 includes a mounting bracket144 (FIG. 4) for mounting the multiport device (broadly, the multiportassembly 10) to a support structure (not shown), such as a beam or post.The mounting bracket 144 extends circumferentially around the port body112 when the first and second port housings 114 are coupled together.Each port housing 114 includes a radially outwardly extending flangeadjacent the inner end portion. When the two port housings 114 arecoupled together, the radially outwardly extending flanges of each porthousing define a mounting bracket channel 145 (FIG. 2) for receiving themounting bracket 144.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-C, one embodiment of a connector is generallyindicated at reference numeral 310A. As used herein, when a referencecharacter includes a reference numeral not followed by a letter, such areference character refers to all elements designated at least in partby the reference numeral. Moreover, when a reference character includesthe reference numeral followed by a letter, such as “A,” such areference character refers to a particular type of element from thegroup of elements. For example, as used herein, the reference character“310” refers to all connectors (e.g., connectors 310A-C) designated atleast in part with reference numeral “310” and the reference character“310A” refers to a particular type of connector such as the multi-fiberpush on (“MPO”) connector (described in more detail below).

The connector 310A plugs into one of the ports 116 of the multiportdevice 110. The connector 310A includes a ferrule assembly 312A(containing one or more ferrules). The ferrule assembly 312A defines aconnection end of the connector 310A. In other words, ferrule assembly312A is received first into one of the ports 116 of the multiport device110 to plug or connect the connector to the port. In this embodiment,the ferrule assembly 312A comprises a MPO ferrule assembly. Thus, inthis embodiment, the connector 310A may be referred to as a MPOconnector (e.g., MPO optical connector). In this embodiment, theconnector 310A is attached to an end of a fiber optic cable 308.

The connector 310A includes a connector housing 314 that supports theferrule assembly 312A. The connector housing 314 extends from a frontend portion to a rear end portion. The cable 308 extends rearward fromthe rear end portion and the ferrule assembly 312A extend forward fromthe front end portion of the connector housing 314. A strain relief boot324 is attached to the rear end portion of the connector housing 314 tosupport and strengthen the interface between the cable 308 and the rearend portion of the connector housing 314. The connector 310A includes aflange 326 that protrudes radially outward from the connector housing314. The flange 326 is located between the front and rear end portionsof the connector housing 314. The connector 310A includes a seal 328(e.g., an O-ring) configured to engage a port 116 of the multiportdevice 110 to form a fluid-tight seal with the multiport device toprevent the ingress of moisture and debris. The seal 328 is spaced apartfrom the connection end (e.g. ferrule assembly 312A) of the connector310A along a longitudinal axis of the connector toward the oppositecable (e.g., rear) end. The connector housing 314 defines an annularseal groove sized and shaped to receive the seal 328. The annular sealgroove is disposed immediately in front of the flange 326, so thatflange can brace the seal 328 against the port 116 when the connector310A is coupled to the port.

The connector 310A also includes a port engagement portion 316 supportedby the connector housing 314. The port engagement portion 316 is spacedapart from the connection end (e.g., ferrule assembly 312A) of theconnector 310A along the longitudinal axis of the connector toward anopposite cable end of the connector. The port engagement portion 316includes a port insert body 318. The port insert body 318 (e.g., theexterior thereof) is sized and shaped to be received in one of the ports116 of the multiport device 110 when the connector 310A is coupled tothe port. The exterior of the port insert body 318 is sized and shapedto correspond to (e.g., generally match) the size and shape of theconnector socket 118 of the ports 116. Preferably, the fit between theport insert body 318 and the connector socket 118 is relatively tight soas to inhibit lateral movement and twisting of the connector 310A in themultiport device 110, which could otherwise damage and/or impair thecommunication connection formed by the connector. The port insert body318 extends out of the opening of the port 116 at the outer end of theport housing 114 when the connector 310A is coupled to the multiportdevice 110.

The port insert body 318 is also configured to be mounted on theconnector housing 314. The port insert body 318 defines a connectorhousing passageway 320 (FIG. 8C) that receives the connector housing314. In this embodiment, the port insert body 318 extendscircumferentially around the connector housing 314. The port insert body318 is supported on the connector housing 314 at a locating area 322(FIG. 8B). The locating area 322 is between the flange 326 and thestrain relief boot 324. The flange 326 defines the front end of thelatch body locating area 322. The port insert body 318 is longitudinallyslidable along the connector housing 314. The flange 326 functions as astop and engages the port insert body 318 to limit the forward movementof the port insert body along the connector housing 314 toward theconnection end. Accordingly, the port insert body 318 is disposedbetween a front end of the strain relief boot 324 (which may inhibit theport insert body from moving rearward off the connector housing 314) anda rear end of the flange 326. The port insert body 318 forms an enlargedperimeter section of the connector 310A. The front end portion of theconnector housing 314 defines a front perimeter section of the connector310A that has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the enlargedperimeter section.

In one embodiment, the connector housing 314 and the port insert body318 each include rotational alignment keys configured to engage eachother to inhibit the port insert body from rotating about the connectorhousing. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 314includes flats 330 (e.g., planar surfaces) on opposite sides thereofthat engage corresponding flats 332 of the port insert body on oppositesides of the connector housing passageway 320 to inhibit rotation of thetwo components relative to each other.

Still referring to FIGS. 8A-C, the port engagement portion 316 includesa latch 334 (e.g., an overhead latch). The latch 334 is configured tolatch onto the multiport device 110 to secure the connector 310A to themultiport device. Referring to FIG. 13 and briefly referring back toFIGS. 5 and 7, each port 116 of the multiport device 110 includes alatch retainer 146. The latch retainer 146 is configured to be engagedby a latch 334 of a connector 310 to secure the connector to a port 116.The latch retainer 146 of each port 116 is disposed on an exterior ofport housing 114. The latch retainer 146 is adjacent the outer end ofthe port housing 114. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch retainer146 is integrally formed with the port housing 114. Each latch retainer146 has a generally wedge shape that protrudes radially outward from anouter or exterior surface of the port housing 114. Each latch retainer146 is aligned (e.g., circumferentially aligned) with a connector socket118 of its corresponding port 116. Each latch retainer 146 is configuredto engage and deflect the latch 334 of a connector 310 toward anunlatching position as the connector is inserted into the port (in theinsertion direction). Each latch retainer 146 include a deflectionsurface 148 (at the outer end of the latch retainer) that slopes outward(e.g., radially outward) as the deflection surface extendslongitudinally in an outer-to-inner direction. As the connector 310 ismoved in the insertion direction, the deflection surface 148 engages anddeflects the latch to the unlatching position. Each latch retainer 148also includes an end or securement surface 150 (at the inner end of thelatch retainer). The end surface 150 is generally perpendicular to theinsertion direction (e.g., central longitudinal axis CLA). The endsurface 150 is configured to engage the latch 334 of the connector 310when the latch is in the latching position (FIG. 13) to secure theconnector to the port 116. As best seen in FIG. 5, the latch retainers146 are spaced apart circumferentially between raised separator portionsof the port housing 114. The raised separator portions of the porthousing 114 define latch channels 152 for each latch retainer 146.Accordingly, each latch channel 152 is disposed on the exterior of theport housing 114. Each latch channel 152 is sized and shaped to receivethe latch 334 and permit the latch to move (e.g., slide longitudinally)therein. Adjacent raised separation portions define the sides of thelatch channels 152. Each latch retainer 146 is disposed in a latchchannel 152. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch retainer 146 isdisposed in the middle (e.g., circumferential middle) of each latchchannel 152 such that roughly half of each latch channel is located oneach side (e.g., circumferential side) of the latch retainer.

Referring back to FIGS. 8A-C, the latch 334 of the connector 310A isyieldably biased in a latching position (FIGS. 8A and 13). The latch 334is moveable or deflectable (e.g., manually moveable), relative to therest of the connector 310A, between the latching position and theunlatching position (not shown). In the unlatching position, the latch334 is clear of the latch retainer 146, thereby permitting the latch tomove longitudinally past the latch retainer as the connector 310 ismoved in the insertion direction or in an opposite removal direction.The latch 334 is attached to the port insert body 318. The latch 334 isconfigured for latching engagement with the multiport device 110 (e.g.latch retainer 146) to releasably retain the connector 310A with a port116 of the multiport device. The latch 334 includes a resilientlybendable, overhang latch arm 336. The latch 334 also includes a latchbase 338, which may also be resiliently bendable. The latch base 338 isattached to the port insert body 318. The latch base 338 extendsradially outward from the port insert body 318. The overhang latch arm336 is attached to the latch base 338 (e.g., one end is attach to thelatch base). The overhang latch arm 336 extends forward from the latchbase 338. The overhang latch arm 336 is spaced apart (e.g., radiallyspaced apart) from the port insert body 318. The overhang latch arm 336is configured for latching engagement with the multiport device 110(e.g., latch retainer 146). The overhang latch arm 336 defines a slot340 (e.g., central elongate longitudinal slot) sized and shaped toreceive a portion of the multiport device 110 (e.g., a portion of thelatch retainer 146) to form the latching engagement with the multiportdevice. The slot 340 has enclosed longitudinal sides and an enclosedfront end.

The overhang latch arm 336 includes a wedge engagement tip 342 at thefront, free end portion of the overhang latch arm. The wedge engagementtip 342 is in front of the slot 340. The wedge engagement tip 342includes a sloped surface 344. The sloped surface 344 is configured toengage the multiport device 110 (e.g., the deflection surface 148) todeflect the latch 344 as the connector 310A is plugged into a port 116.The sloped surface 344 slopes radially outward as it extends forward,away from the slot 340.

The port engagement portion 316 may also include indicia 346 identifyingthe type of connector 310A. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicia346 is disposed on the overhang latch arm 336, although otherarrangements are within the scope of the present disclosure. In theillustrated embodiment, the indicia 346 comprises “MPO” therebyidentifying the connector 310A as a MPO optical connector. In otherembodiments, the indicia may indicate other types of connectors. Forexample, the indicia may comprise “SC” to identify a SC opticalconnector, or may comprise “SN” to identify a SN optical connector.

Referring to FIG. 13, to mate the connector 310A with the multiportdevice 110, the connector 310A is aligned with the desired port 116 andthen the front end of the connector is inserted into the port (andfurther into a corresponding adapter 210, described in more detailbelow). The slot 340 (broadly, the latch 334) forms a rotationalalignment element that provides a visual indication of the rotationalalignment of the connector 310A with the port 116 (e.g., the latchretainer 146). Accordingly, the rotational alignment element of theconnector 310A is aligned with the latch retainer 146 of the port 116 toorient and align the connector relative to the port. As the connector310A is inserted, the sloped surface 344 of the wedge engagement tip 342slides along the deflection surface 148 of the latch retainer 146 of theport 116 the connector is being inserted into. This causes the overhanglatch arm 336 to deflect or bend outwardly as required for the wedgeengagement tip 342 to pass over the latch retainer 146 (e.g., deflect orbend the overhang latch arm to the unlatching position). When the wedgeengagement tip 342 passes the end surface 150 of the latch retainer 146,the overhang latch arm 336 resiliently rebounds causing the overhandlatch arm (e.g., the portion defining the closed, front end of the slot340) to engage the end surface. This also causes the portions of theoverhang latch arm 336 on the sides of the slot 340 to move radiallyinward. This latches the connector 310A to the port device 110 toinhibit inadvertent pullout. As illustrated, the rotational alignmentelement of the connector 310A is located outside the connector socket118 when the connector is plugged into the port. To withdraw theconnector 310A from the multiport device 110, a user lifts the wedgeengagement tip 342 to clear the latch retainer 146 (e.g., to theunlatching position). Subsequently the connector 310A can be pulled outof the port 116 without significant resistance.

Referring to FIGS. 23-25, another embodiment of a connector according tothe present disclosure is generally indicated at 310′. Connector 310′ isgenerally the same as connector 310 and, thus, for ease of comprehensionwhere identical parts are used identical reference numerals are employedand where similar or analogous parts are used, identical referencenumerals with a trailing prime are employed. Connector 310′ is the sameas connector 310, except for the configuration of the port engagementportion 316′. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise,the descriptions herein regarding connector 310 also apply to connector310′. In this embodiment, the port insert body 318′ is configured toform a snap-fit connection with the connector housing 314 to couple theport engagement portion 316′ to the connector housing. The port insertbody 318′ is resiliently deflectable and defines a mouth or slot 319(longitudinally extending mouth or slot). The mouth 319 enables the portinsert body 318′ to be attach to the connector housing 314 by moving theport insert body in a lateral or side-to-side direction relative to theconnector housing and cable 308, instead of a longitudinal or end-to-enddirection. This makes it easier to attach the port engagement portion316′ to the connector housing 314, especially after the connector 310′is coupled to the cable 308. In one method of attaching the port insertbody 318′ to the connector housing 314, a user aligns the mouth 319 withthe connector housing 314 and pushes the connector housing through themouth. This causes the port insert body 318′ to deflect or bend,enlarging the size of the mouth 319 to permit the connector housing 314to pass therethrough. Once the connector housing 314 passes through themouth 319, the port insert body 318′ resiliently rebounds to its normalor at rest position (FIG. 24), thereby coupling the port engagementportion 316′ to the connector housing. In another method of attachingthe port insert body 318′ to the connector housing 314, the user alignsthe mouth 319 with a portion of the cable 308 and pushes the cablethrough the mouth. If needed, the port insert body 318′ may deflect orbend to permit the cable 308 to pass through the mouth 319 andresiliently rebounding once the cable passes through the mouth, asdescribed above with respect to connector housing 314. After the cable308 is positioned in the connector housing passageway 320, the usermoves (e.g., slides) the port engagement portion 316′ forward, onto theconnector housing 314 (rotating the port engagement portion to align theflats 330, 332 of the connector housing and port engagement portion).The port engagement portion 316′ is moved forward until the portengagement portion engages the flange 326, thereby positioning the portengagement portion at the locating area at the 322.

Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment of a connector according to thepresent disclosure is generally indicated at 310B. Connector 310B isgenerally analogous to connector 310A and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearlystated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions herein regardingconnector 310A also apply to connector 310B. In this embodiment, theconnector 310B includes a ferrule assembly 312B that comprises a SCferrule assembly. Thus, in this embodiment, the connector 310B may bereferred to as a SC connector (e.g., SC optical connector).

Referring to FIG. 18, another embodiment of a connector according to thepresent disclosure is generally indicated at 310C. Connector 310C isgenerally analogous to connector 310A and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearlystated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions herein regardingconnector 310A also apply to connector 310C. In this embodiment, theconnector 310C includes a ferrule assembly 312C that comprises a SNferrule assembly (e.g., duplex LC ferrule assembly). Thus, in thisembodiment, the connector 310C may be referred to as a SN communicationconnection (e.g., SN optical connector).

The connectors 310 (e.g., connectors 310A, 310B, 310C) are useable with(e.g. can interchangeably mate with) the multiport device 110. The sameport inert body 318, 318′ can be used to secure the different types ofconnectors to the connector housing 314. However, because the connectors310 can have different ferrule assemblies 312 (e.g., MPO ferruleassembly 312A, SC ferrule assembly 312B, or SN ferrule assembly 312C),the multiport device 110 is selectively configurable to configure eachport 116 of the multiport device to receive a connector 310 of aspecific type. As mentioned above, the multiport assembly 10 includesadapters 210. Specifically, the multiport assembly 10 (e.g., themultiport device 110) includes types of adapters 210 for each type ofconnector 310. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the multiportassembly 10 includes a MPO adapter 210A, a SC adapter 210B and a SNadapter 210C.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, each port housing 114 of the multiportdevice 110 includes a plurality of receptacle receivers 154. Eachreceptacle receiver 154 is aligned (e.g., longitudinally aligned) withone of the ports 116 of the port housing 114. Broadly, each port 116includes one of the receptacle receivers 154. The receptacle receivers154 are all generally identical. According, one receptacle receiver 154will now be described with the understanding the description applies toall receptacle receivers. The receptacle receiver 154 is sized andshaped for selectively receiving a portion (broadly, at least a portion)of an adapter 210 therein. As mentioned above there are different typesof adapters 210. Accordingly, selectively receiving an adapter 210configures the port 116 (broadly, the multiport device 110) associatedwith the adapter to receive a specific type of connector 310. The port116 and corresponding receptacle receiver 154 are arranged such thatwhen the connector 310 is coupled to the port and an adapter 210 isreceived in the receptacle receiver, the ferrule assembly 312 of theconnector is received by the adapter. In general, the multiport device110 (e.g., receptacle receivers 154) can interchangeably receiveadapters, such as fiber optic adapters (e.g., adapters 210) andelectrical adapters, for selectively enabling communication connections(such as optical connections or electrical connections) betweenconnectors (such as optical connectors or electrical connectors).

The receptacle receiver 154 is disposed at the inner end portion (e.g.inner end) of the port housing 114. The receptacle receiver 154 includesa receptacle socket 156 sized and shaped to receive a portion (broadly,at least a portion) of the adapter 210. The receptacle socket 156 is incommunication (e.g., disposed at the inner end of) the connector socket118. The receptacle socket 156 opens through the inner end of the porthousing 114. The inner opening of the port housing 114, mentioned above,is defined by the receptacle receiver 154. The receptacle socket 156extends longitudinally outward toward the outer end portion of the porthousing 114 from the inner opening. The receptacle receiver 154 includesan axially inner facing shoulder or lip 158 at the outer end of thereceptacle socket 156. The connector socket 118 includes a narrowsection adjacent the shoulder 158. The receptacle socket 156 has agenerally obround shape. The receptacle receiver 154 includes oppositeflat or planar slides 159 spaced apart circumferentially about thecentral longitudinal axis CLA, and two opposing curved ends that connectthe opposite planar sides.

When the first and second port housings 114 are coupled together (e.g.,positioned end-to-end), the receptacles receivers 154 of the first andsecond port housings are aligned with each other (e.g., each receptaclereceiver of the first port housing is aligned with a correspondingreceptacle receiver of the second port housing), as shown in FIG. 7.Specifically, the receptacle sockets 156 of corresponding receptaclereceivers 154 of the first and second port housings 114 align with eachother when the first and second port housings are coupled together. Whenthe first and second port housings 114 are coupled together, thereceptacle sockets 156 of each two corresponding receptacle receivers154 align to form a receptacle cavity for receiving one of the adapters210 therein. In other words, the receptacle cavity is configured toreceive an adapter 210 such that a first longitudinal section (e.g., afirst longitudinal half) of the adapter is received by a firstreceptacle socket 156 of the first port housing 114 and a secondlongitudinal section (e.g., a second longitudinal half) of the adapteris received by a second receptacle socket 156 of the second port housingthat corresponds to and is aligned with the first receptacle socket. Thereceptacle cavity captures the adapter 210 longitudinally between theopposing shoulders 158 of the receptacle receivers 154 (FIG. 13).

Referring to FIGS. 9-13, one embodiment of an adapter is generallyindicated at reference numeral 210A. In this embodiment, the adapter210A is configured to receive a MPO ferrule assembly 312A of a connector310A. Specifically, the adapter 210A is configured to receive two MPOferrule assemblies 312A of two connectors 310 connected to aligned ports116 of the respective first and second port housings 114 so that acommunication connection forms between the two connectors. In otherwords, the MPO ferrule assemblies 312A of two connectors 310A engageeach other within the adapter 210A (FIG. 12). Thus, in this embodiment,the adapter 210A may be referred to as a MPO adapter (e.g., MPO fiberoptic receptacle). As will become apparent, the adapter 210 can beconfigured to receive other types of connectors (e.g., ferruleassemblies 312), such as the SC ferrule assembly 312B or the SN ferruleassembly 312C. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the adapter210 is, broadly, configured to receive one of the MPO ferrule assembly312A, the SC ferrule assembly 312B or the SN ferrule assembly 312C.

The adapter 210A includes an outer wall 212. The outer wall (e.g., anexterior surface thereof) is sized and shaped to correspond to (e.g.,match) the size and shape of the receptacle socket 156 of the receptaclereceivers 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 212 definesa roughly obround exterior perimeter. The outer wall 212 extendslongitudinally along an insert axis, which is generally parallel to thecentral longitudinal axis CLA when the adapter 210A is coupled to themultiport device 110. The adapter 210A includes a receptacle receiveranti-turning key 214. The receptacle receiver anti-turning key 214 isconfigured to engage the receptacle receiver 154 to inhibit the adapterfrom turning relative to (e.g., within) the receptacle receiver. In theillustrated embodiment, the receptacle receiver anti-turning key 214includes opposite flat exterior sides 216 of the outer wall 212 thatengage the opposite flat sides 159 of the receptacle receiver 154. Theouter wall 212 also includes two opposite exterior arcuate ends(extending between the flat sides 216) that engage the arcuate ends ofthe receptacle receiver 154. The adapter 210A defines a ferrulepassageway 218 sized and shaped to receive the ferrule assembly 312A ofthe connector 310A. In this embodiment, the adapter 210A has no internalcomponents within the ferrule passageway 218 to facilitate theconnection between two MPO ferrule assembles 312A disposed therein,since MPO ferrule assembles 312A are able to engage each other and forma communication connection by themselves (without the aid of additionalcomponents). The ferrule passageway 218 has open longitudinal ends suchthat when the ferrule assemblies 312A of two communications connectors310A are respectively inserted into each end, the ferrules assembliesengage and form the communication connection within the ferrulepassageway (FIG. 12).

The adapter 210A also includes a connector anti-turning key 220. Theconnector anti-turning key 220 is configured to engage the connector310A (broadly, a receptacle anti-turning key thereof) to inhibit theconnector and the adapter 210A from turning relative to each other. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the connector anti-turning key 220 includesopposite flat interior sides 222 of the outer wall 212 that engageopposite flat sides 350 (broadly, the receptacle anti-turning key) ofthe connector housing 314 of the connector 310A. In the illustratedembodiment, the ferrule passageway 218 also has an obround shape,defined by the interior surfaces of the outer wall 212 (e.g., flat sides222). As will become apparent, each type of adapter 210 has the sameexterior size and shape (e.g., outer wall 212). Accordingly, each typeof adapter 210 is interchangeable with each other in the multiportdevice 110.

Referring to FIG. 13, when two connectors 310, such as connectors 310A,are connected to the ports 116 and extend into the adapter 210, such asadapter 210A, the ferrule assemblies 312, such as ferrule assemblies312A, meet at an optical reference plane ORP to form the communicationconnection. The optical reference plane ORP is generally co-planar withthe interface between first and second port housings 114. The twoconnectors 310 each extend longitudinally through their respective firstor second port housing 114 from the outer end portion through the innerend portion. The distance between the front end (e.g., tip) of theferrule assembly 312 and the latch 334 (e.g., the front end of the slot340) is slightly (e.g., 0.5-2 mm) greater than the distance between theinner face (e.g., inner opening) at the inner end portion of the porthousing 114 and the latch retainer 146 (e.g., the end surface 150). As aresult, the front end of the ferrule assembly 312 sticks out from theinner end portion of the port housing 114 when the connector 310 iscoupled to the port 116. This ensures that the ferrule assemblies 312 ofthe two connectors 310 will engage each other and form the communicationconnection at the optical reference plane ORP when the connectors arecoupled to the ports. Each ferrule assembly 312 resiliently biases itsone or more ferrules in a forward direction, such as with a spring, suchthat the ferrules resiliently deflect rearward when the ferrules of twoferrules assemblies 312 engage each other to account for the slightdistance each ferrule assembly sticks out from the inner end portion ofeach port housing 114. This resilient deflection ensures a securecommunication connection (e.g., optical communication connection) formsbetween the two connectors 310 at the optical reference plane ORP.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, another embodiment of an adapter according tothe present disclosure is generally indicated at 210B. Adapter 210B isgenerally analogous to connector 210A and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearlystated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions herein regarding adapter210A also apply to adapter 210B. In this embodiment, the adapter 210B isconfigured to receive a SC ferrule assembly 312B. Thus, in thisembodiment, the adapter 210B may be referred to as a SC adapter (e.g.,SC fiber optic receptacle).

In this embodiment, the adapter 210B includes an SC insert 240B(broadly, a ferrule assembly insert) in the ferrule passageway 218 forengaging and aligning the SC ferrules of the SC ferrule assemblies 312Bof the two connectors 310B inserted into the adapter. The SC insert 240Bincludes an alignment sleeve 242 for receiving and aligning the SCferrules of the SC ferrule assemblies 312B. In the illustratedembodiment, the SC insert 240B includes an integral alignment sleeveholder 244 (integral with the outer wall 212) extending along the insertaxis from one end toward the other end. The integral alignment sleeveholder 244 has a tube-shaped portion for receiving part of thealignments sleeve 242 and a lip at an end of the tube-shaped portion forholding the alignment sleeve within the tube-shaped portion. Theintegral alignment sleeve holder 244 includes a transverse wallextending radially and interconnecting and suspending the tube-shapedportion within the ferrule passageway 218. The transverse wall islocated at an inner end of the tube-shaped portion and defines anannular cavity between the tube-shaped portion and the outer wall 212.The annular cavity is sized and shaped to receive a portion of theconnector 310B. The SC insert 240B also includes a snap-in alignmentsleeve holder 246. The outer wall 212 of the adapter 210B includesopposite snap-in recesses configured to make a snap-fit connection withthe snap-in alignment sleeve holder 246 to retain the snap-in alignmentsleeve holder. The snap-in alignment sleeve holder 246 has a tube-shapedportion for receiving part of the alignment sleeve 242 and a lip at anend of the tube-shaped portion for holding the alignment sleeve withinthe tube-shaped portion. Thus, the tube-shaped portions of the integraland snap-in alignment sleeve holders 244, 246 are configured to capturethe alignment sleeve 242 between the lips. The snap-in alignment sleeveholder 246 includes a transverse wall and a pair of snap-in latches onopposite ends of the transverse wall. The snap-in latches snap into thesnap-in recesses of the outer wall 212 to secure the snap-in alignmentsleeve holder 246 to the outer wall and thereby retain the snap-inalignment sleeve holder in the adapter 210B. The transverse wall of thesnap-in alignment sleeve holder 256 extends radially and is located atan inner end of the tube-shaped portion. The transverse wall supportsthe tube-shaped portion and defines an annular cavity between thetube-shaped portion and the outer wall 212. The annular cavity is sizedand shaped to receive a portion of the connector 310B.

Referring to FIGS. 19-22, another embodiment of an adapter according tothe present disclosure is generally indicated at 210C. Adapter 210C isgenerally analogous to connector 210B and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearlystated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions herein regarding adapter210B also apply to adapter 210C. In this embodiment, the adapter 210C isconfigured to receive a SN (e.g., duplex-LC) ferrule assembly 312C.Thus, in this embodiment, the adapter 210C may be referred to as a SNadapter (e.g., SN fiber optic receptacle).

In this embodiment, the adapter 210C is generally the same as adapter210B, except that the adapter 210C includes a SN insert 240C. The SNinsert 240C is generally the same as the SC insert 240B, and hasessentially the same construction, except that the SN insert includestwo alignment sleeves 244, one for reach SN (e.g., LC) ferrule of the SNferrule assembly 312C. According, the integral and snap-in alignmentsleeve holders 244, 246 of the SN insert 240C each include twotube-shaped portions.

As is now apparent, the adapter 210 facilitates the formation of thecommunication connection between connectors 310. The communicationconnection forms between the two connectors 310 within the adapter 210when the adapter is disposed in the two corresponding receptaclereceivers 154, the first and second port housings 114 are coupledtogether and the two connectors are coupled to their respective ports116 of the first and second port housings. When the connector 310 iscoupled to one of the ports 116, the front end portion of the portinsert body 318 is received in the connector socket 118 of the port. Theport 116 includes an internal shoulder or lip that engages the seal 318to form a fluid tight seal that inhibits dust and/or water from enteringthe multiport device 110 through the interface between the connector 310and the port. The tip of each ferrule of the ferrule assembly 312 islocated at the optical reference plane ORP, to form the opticalconnection with a corresponding ferrule assembly. For the SC and SNferrule assemblies 312B, 312C, their ferrules pass into the alignmentsleeves 244 of the adapters 210B, 210C and the front end portion of theconnector housing 314 is received in the annular cavity around thealignment sleeve(s) (FIGS. 17 and 21).

In view of the above, it can be readily seen that the multiport device110 is selectively adjustable for different port configurations byinserting select ones of the adapters 210 into the receptacle receivers154 before coupling the first and second port housings 114 together. Theadapters 210 all have the same exterior envelope to be received in thesame port housings 114. To identify what type of connectors 310 eachport 116 is associated with, the multiport assembly 10 includes theidentification inserts 410. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 26-29, each porthousing 114 includes a plurality of identification insert mounts 160.Each identification insert mount 160 is associated with one of the ports116 (broadly, the port includes the identification insert mount). Eachidentification insert mount 160 is disposed on the exterior of the porthousing 114 to align with and visually correspond to one of the ports116. The identification insert mounts 160 are circumferentially spacedapart along the outer perimeter of the port housing 114. Theidentification inserts mounts 160 are generally identical. In theillustrated embodiment, each identification insert mount 160 includessnap-in formations for forming a snap-fit connection with one of theidentification inserts 410. The identification insert mount 160 includesone or more recesses 162 and one or more lips 164.

Referring to FIG. 27, one embodiment of the identification insert isgenerally indicated at reference numeral 410A. The identification insert410A includes a cap 412. The identification insert 410A includes indicia414A associated with one of the types of the connectors 310 foridentifying the type of connector. The indicia 414A is disposed on thecap 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicia 414A comprises “MPOSM” thereby identifying the connector 310A to be received by the port116 as a MPO connector. Accordingly, in this embodiment, theidentification insert 410A is a MPO identification insert. In otherembodiments, the indicia may indicate other types of connectors. Forexample, the indicia may comprise “SC APC” to identify a SC opticalconnector, or may comprise “SN” to identify a SN optical connector.

The identification insert 410A includes an identification insert coupler416. The identification insert coupler 416 extends from the cap 412. Theidentification insert coupler 416 is configured to couple to one of theidentification insert mounts 160 to attach the identification insert tothe port housing 114. When coupled to the port housing 114, theidentification insert 410A provides a visual indication of the type ofconnector 310 to be received by the port 116 corresponding to theidentification insert. In the illustrated embodiment, the identificationinsert coupler 416 is configured to form a snap-fit connection with theidentification insert mount 160. The identification insert coupler 416includes one or more (e.g., first and second) resiliently deflectablelatch legs 418. Each latch leg 418 includes a foot or detent 420. Eachdetent is configured to engage a lip 164 of the identification insertmount 160 to attach the identification insert 410A to the identificationinsert mount. Each recess 162 of the identification insert mount 160 issized and shaped to receive one of the detents 420 of the latch leg 418.

To mate the identification insert 410A with the port housing 114, theidentification insert coupler 416 is inserted into the desiredidentification insert mount 160. As the identification insert coupler416 is inserted, the latch legs 418 engage and are deflected by the porthousing 114. When the detent 420 of each latch leg 418 passes the lip164, the latch leg resiliently rebounds causing the detent 420 tooverlap and engage the lip 164, thereby securing the identificationinsert 410A to the port housing 114. The cap 412 may define a recess 413sized and shaped to receive an end of a tool, such as a flatheadscrewdriver, to facilitate disconnecting the identification insert 410Afrom the identification insert mount 160. For example, the tool (notshown) may be used to pry the identification insert 410A off of the porthousing 114. To disconnect the identification insert 410A, the userapplies enough force using the tool to defect the latch legs 418 andmove the detents 420 past the lips 164.

Referring to FIG. 28, another embodiment of an identification insertaccording to the present disclosure is generally indicated at 410B.Identification insert 410B is generally analogous to identificationinsert 410A and, thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar,analogous or identical parts are used, identical reference numerals areemployed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, thedescriptions herein regarding identification insert 410A also apply toidentification insert 410B. In this embodiment, the identificationinsert 410B includes indicia 412B comprising “SC APC” therebyidentifying the connector 310B to be received by the port 116 as a SCconnector. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the identification insert410B is a SC identification insert.

Referring to FIG. 29, another embodiment of an identification insertaccording to the present disclosure is generally indicated at 410C.Identification insert 410C is generally analogous to identificationinsert 410A and, thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar,analogous or identical parts are used, identical reference numerals areemployed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, thedescriptions herein regarding identification insert 410A also apply toidentification insert 410C. In this embodiment, the identificationinsert 410C includes indicia 412C comprising “SN” thereby identifyingthe connector 310C to be received by the port 116 as a SN connector.Accordingly, in this embodiment, the identification insert 410C is a SCidentification insert.

In view of the above, it can be readily seen that the identificationinserts 410 are selectively mountable to the multiport device 110 toidentify with what type of connectors 310 each port 116 is associated.In other words, the identification inserts 410 are used to identify whattype of adapter 210 has been coupled to the first and second porthousings 114.

In one embodiment, the multiport assembly 10 may include a plurality ofdifferent adapters 210, such as at least one MPO adapter 210A, at leastone SC adapter 210B, and at least one SN adapter 210C. In other words,the plurality of adapters 210 can include sub-sets (e.g., first, second,third, etc.) of adapters, with the adapters of each sub-set (e.g.,adapters 210A-C) configured to receive one type of connector 310 (e.g.,connector 310A-C). This way, a user can select the types of adapters 210to install in the multiport device 110 to configured the multiportdevice to receive the desired types of connectors 310. Likewise, themultiport assembly 10 may include a plurality of differentidentification inserts 410, such as at least one MPO identificationinsert 410A, at least one SC identification insert 410B, and at leastone SN identification insert 410C. In other words, the plurality ofidentification inserts 410 can includes sub-sets (e.g., first, second,third, etc.) of identification inserts, with the identification insertsof each sub-set (e.g., identification inserts 410A-C) configured toidentify one type of connector 310 (e.g., connector 310A-C). This way, auser can select the types of identification inserts 410 to install onthe multiport device 110 to match the identification inserts to the typeof connector the port 116 associated with each identification insert isconfigured to receive.

Referring to FIGS. 30-33, one embodiment of an auxiliary port device(broadly, a port device) of the present disclosure is generallyindicated at reference numeral 510. The auxiliary port device 510 ispart of the multiport assembly 10 and can be mounted on the multiportdevice 110 to expand the capacity (e.g., total number of ports) of themultiport assembly. The auxiliary port device 510 is similar in manyways to the multiport device 110, thus, for ease of comprehension, wheresimilar, analogous or identical parts are use, identical referencenumerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicatedotherwise, the descriptions herein regarding the multiport device 110also apply to the auxiliary port device 510.

The auxiliary port device 510 includes first and second port housings514 (e.g., first and second auxiliary port housings). The first andsecond port housings 514 are similar to the first and second porthousings 114 of the multiport device 110, except each port housing ofthe auxiliary port device 510 only includes one port 116 and onereceptacle receiver 154. Details of the ports 116 and receptaclereceivers 154 are described above, and thus the details of thesecomponents of the auxiliary port device 510 are not repeated here.Accordingly, like the multiport device 110, the auxiliary port device510 can also be configured to receive a particular type of connector 310depending upon the adapter 210 coupled to the auxiliary port device. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a MPO adapter 210A is coupled to theauxiliary port device 510 to configure the auxiliary port device toreceive MPO connectors 310A, as shown. A SC adapter 210B or SN adapter210C may be coupled to the auxiliary port device 510 in otherarrangements (not shown) to receive SC connectors 310B or SN connectors310C, respectively.

The first and second port housings 514 are releasably coupled together.Like the multiport device 110, the first and second port housings 514 ofthe auxiliary port device 510 are arranged inner-end-to-inner-end whencoupled together. The auxiliary port device 510 includes a seal 520(e.g., compressible seal) at the interface of the first and second porthousings 514. The seal 520 forms a fluid tight seal at the interface ofthe first and second port housings 514. The seal 520 is arranged toenclose each inner opening (at the inner end portion of each of thefirst and second port housings 514). In one embodiment, the seal 520comprises an O-ring. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner endportion of each port housing 514 includes an annular seal groove 524(FIG. 31) configured to receive a portion of the seal 520 therein. Whenthe first and second port housings 514 are coupled together, the seal520 is compressed and seals the interface between the first and secondport housings to inhibit ingress of dust or water into the ports 116through the interface between the first and second port housings. In theillustrated embodiment, the first and second port housings 514 areidentical.

In the illustrated embedment, the auxiliary port device 510 includes amounting bracket 570. The mounting bracket 570 is configured to attachthe auxiliary port device 510 to the multiport device 110 (e.g., theport body 112). Specifically, the mounting bracket 570 includes one ormore fastener openings that align with one or more fastener openings ofthe multiport device, so that a fastener 572 (e.g., a screw) (FIG. 1)inserted into the aligned fastener openings secures the mounting bracket570, and thereby the first and second port housings 514, to themultiport device. The auxiliary port device 510 includes mountingstructure 580 configured to facilitate the mounting of the auxiliaryport device on the multiport device 110. The mounting structure 580 isdefined by both the first and second port housings 514. In theillustrated embodiment, the mounting structure 580 comprises projections582 (e.g., one or more projections on each port housing 514) that areeach configured to be inserted into corresponding slots (FIG. 32) in themounting bracket 570. In this embodiment, the engagement of theprojections 582 with the mounting bracket 570 also couples the first andsecond port housings 514 together.

The mounting bracket 570 includes first and second foot sections 573configured to be fastened (e.g., screwed) to the multiport device 110via the fastener openings in the foot sections. The mounting bracket 570includes an arch-shaped section 574 extending between the first andsecond foot sections 573. The arch-shaped portion 574 generally extendsaround the first and second port housings 514. The arch-shaped section574 includes first and second legs 576 adjacent the first and secondfoot sections 573 and a top 578 connecting the first and second legs.The first and second legs 576 define the slots that receive theprojections 582 of the first and second port housings 514. When theprotrusions 582 are all received in a corresponding slots of the legs576 of the mounting bracket 570, the mounting bracket holds the porthousings 514 together. And when the feet sections 573 of the mountingbracket 570 are fastened (e.g., screwed) to the multiport device 110,the mounting bracket mounts the auxiliary port device 510 onto themultiport device.

Together the auxiliary port device 510 and one or more adapters 210 forman auxiliary port assembly (broadly, a port assembly).

Referring to FIGS. 34-39, another embodiment of an auxiliary port device(broadly, a port device) of the present disclosure is generallyindicated at reference numeral 610. Auxiliary port device 610 isgenerally analogous to auxiliary port device 510 and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,reference numerals “100” units higher are employed, except when theauxiliary port device 610 includes similar, analogous or identical partsto that of the multiport device 110 in which case identical referencenumerals to that of the multiport device are employed. Accordingly,unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions hereinregarding the multiport device 110 and auxiliary port device 510 alsoapply to auxiliary port device 610.

In this embodiment, the first and second port housings 614 of theauxiliary port device 610 each include a coupling flange 690 at theinner end portion (e.g., inner end) of each port housing. The couplingflanges 690 engage each other when the first and second port housings614 are coupled together. Each coupling flange 690 extends generallyradially from the port 116 of the port housing 614. In this embodiment,the auxiliary port device 610 includes a coupler 692. The coupler 692 isconfigured to releasably coupled the first and second port housings 614(e.g., coupling flanges 690) together. In the illustrated embodiment,the coupler 692 comprises one or more bolts 694 (e.g., screws, bolts)that extend through aligned openings in the coupling flanges 690 andthat are secured with nuts 696. Other configurations of the coupler 692are within the scope of the present disclosure.

To facilitate the coupling of the first and second port housings 614together, each port housing includes an alignment projection 677 and analignment recess 679 (broadly, one of the port housings includes thealignment projection and the other port housing includes the alignmentrecess). Each alignment recess 679 is sized and shaped to receive analignment projection 677 of the other port housing 614, when the firstand second port housings are coupled together.

In this embodiment, the auxiliary port device 610 includesidentification insert mounts 160 for attaching identification inserts410. Each port housing 614 includes an identification insert mount 160on the coupling flange 690. Details of the identification inserts 410and identification insert mounts 160 are described above, and thus thedetails of these components of the auxiliary port device 610 are notrepeated here. Accordingly, like the multiport device 110, theidentification inserts 410 can also be attached to the auxiliary portdevice 610 (e.g., port housings 614) to identify the type of connector310 the port 116 associated with each identification insert isconfigured to receive.

In this embodiment, the auxiliary port device 610 includes a mountingbracket 670. The foot sections 672 of the mounting bracket 670 can beconfigured to attach to the multiport device 110 or another structure,such as a pole. The mounting structure 680 of the auxiliary port device610 comprises a seat 682. The seat 682 is configured to be received bythe mounting bracket 670. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 682has a generally T-shape with outwardly extending flanges. The mountingbracket 670 includes a receiving channel 671 defined by securementflanges 673 that receives the seat 682, such that the securement flanges673 overlap with the flanges of the seat to attach the first and secondport housings 614 to the mounting bracket. In the illustrated embodimentthe receiving channel 671 and securement flanges 673 are disposed on thelegs 676. The mounting bracket 670 may also include a stop 675 at oneend of the receiving channel 671 to inhibit the seat 682 from moving outof that end of the receiving channel. The seat 682 can be slid into thereceiving channel 671 from the open end opposite the stop 675.

Referring to FIGS. 40-46, another embodiment of a multiport deviceaccording to the present disclosure is generally indicated at 710.Multiport device 710 is generally analogous to multiport device 110 and,thus, for ease of comprehension, where similar, analogous or identicalparts are used, reference numerals “600” units higher are used.Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, thedescriptions herein regarding multiport device 110 also apply tomultiport device 710. In general, the multiport device 710 is configuredto mate with connectors 810 (FIGS. 47-93) and adapters 910 (FIGS. 57,69, 75, 82, and 94-95) of different configurations than the connectors310 and adapters 210 described above. Generally, the connectors 810include conventional connector end assemblies 811 and the adapters 910comprise conventional adapters. Accordingly, the multiport device 110 isable to be used with connectors and adapters containing conventional orknown elements. Other differences between the multiport devices 110, 710will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In this embodiment, the first port housing 714A and the second porthousing 714B are generally identical. The first and second port housings714A, 714A are identical except for the arrangement of alignmentprojections 725 and alignment recesses 726 on each of the port housings(FIGS. 43A and 43B). Each port housing 714 includes at least onealignment projection 725 and at least one alignment recess 727 (broadly,one of the port housings includes the alignment projection and the otherport housing includes the alignment recess) to facilitate the couplingand alignment of the first and second port housings together. Eachalignment recess 627 is sized and shaped to receive an alignmentprojection 725 of the other port housing 714, when the first and secondport housings are coupled together. In the illustrated embodiment, thealignment projections 725 are disposed radially outward of the alignmentrecesses 727 on the second port housing 714B and the alignment recessesare disposed radially outward of the alignment projections on the firstport housing 714A. Other arrangements of the alignment projections andrecesses are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example,the alignment projections and recesses can be arranged so that the firstand second port housings are identical. An example of such anarrangement of the alignment projections 725 and the alignment recesses725 is shown in FIG. 94. In this embodiment, the first and second porthousings, each generally indicated at reference numeral 714′, areidentical.

Still referring to FIGS. 40-46, in this embodiment, the first and secondport housings 714A, 714B each include a mounting bracket channel 745(FIGS. 41A and 41B) for receiving a mounting bracket, such as themounting bracket 144 described above.

The ports 716 are configured to receive a connector 810 (FIGS. 47-93).Accordingly, the communication sockets 718 have a different size andshape than the communication sockets 118 of the multiport device 110. Inaddition, each port 716 of the multiport device 710 includes analignment key channel 717 (FIG. 46). The alignment key channel 717 isgenerally parallel to the central longitudinal axis CLA and has an openouter end and a closed inner end. The alignment key channel 717 is sizedand shaped to receive a rotational alignment key 848 (described in moredetail below) of a connector 810. When the connector 810 is insertedinto the port 716, the rotational alignment key 848 enters the alignmentkey channel 717 through the open outer end. Likewise, when the connector810 is removed from the port 716, the rotational alignment key 848leaves the alignment key channel 717 through the open outer end.

The receptacle receivers 754 are configured to receive an adapter 910(FIGS. 57, 69, 75, 82, and 94-95). Accordingly, the receptacle sockets756 have a different size and shape than the receptacle sockets 156 ofthe multiport device 110. In particular, the receptacle sockets 756 havea rectangular cross-sectional shape to the match the rectangularcross-sectional shape of the adapters 910. Each type of adapter 910 mayhave a different size and/or shape. Accordingly, it is understood thereceptacles receivers 754 may have different configurations (e.g., thereceptacle sockets 756 may have different size and shapes) dependingupon the type of adapter 910 to which the first and second port housings714A, 714B are configured to be coupled. For example, the receptaclereceivers 754 of port housing 714A, 714B shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B hasa different configuration than the receptacle receivers 754 of porthousings 714′ shown in FIG. 94. However, some of the adapters 910 mayhave the same size and shape. Accordingly, the multiport device 710,like the multiport device 110 described above, can be configured toreceive different types of connectors 810 depending on the type ofadapters 910 coupled to the first and second port housings 714A, 714B.For example, adapters 910A-C all have the same exterior size and shapeand can be interchangeably coupled to the same receptacle receivers 754shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B.

Referring to FIGS. 47-63, one embodiment of a connector useable with themultiport device 710 of FIG. 40 is generally indicated at referencenumeral 810A. The connector 810A (e.g., a communication plug or a fiberoptic plug) plugs into one of the ports 716 of the multiport device 710.In this embodiment, the connector includes a connector end assembly811A. The connector end assembly 811A defines the connection end portionof the connector 810A. The connector end assembly 811A includes aferrule assembly 812A (containing one or more ferrules) and a connectorend housing 813A supporting the ferrule assembly (e.g., the ferruleassembly is received in the connector end housing). The ferrule assembly812A (broadly, the connector end assembly 811A) defines a connection endof the connector 810A. Thus, the connector 810A is inserted ferruleassembly 812A first into one of the ports 716 of the multiport device710 to plug or connect the connector to the port. In this embodiment,the connector end assembly 811A comprises a MPO connector end assembly.The connector end housing 813A comprises a MPO connector end housing andthe ferrule assembly 812A comprises a MPO ferrule assembly. Thus, inthis embodiment, the connector 810A may be referred to as a MPOconnector (e.g., MPO optical connector). In this embodiment, theconnector 810A is attached to an end of a fiber optic cable 308.

To go with the MPO connector 810A, the multiport assembly includes acorresponding adapter 910A (FIG. 57). Specifically, the adapter 910Acomprises a MPO adapter (e.g., a MPO fiber optic adapter). The adapter910A is of conventional or known construction and thus a detaileddescription is omitted herein. Generally, the adapter 910A receivesferrules assemblies 812A though either end such that the ferruleassemblies engage each other within the adapter to form thecommunication connection (e.g., fiber optic connection). The adapter910A also includes structural features that allow latches to latch tothe adapter, to secure the ferrule assembly 812A to the adapter. Asmentioned above, the adapter 910A is receivable by the receptaclereceivers 754 of the multiport device 710. Thus, when the both theadapter 910A and the connector 810A are coupled to the multiport device710, the ferrule assembly 812A (e.g., a front end thereof) of theconnector is disposed in the adapter, as shown in FIGS. 59 and 62.

The connector end assembly 811A is generally of conventional or knownconstruction. Thus, the connector end hosing 813A and the ferruleassembly 812A are generally of conventional construction. In thisembodiment, the connector end housing 813A includes a moveable outerhousing 815A (broadly, the outer housing forms part of a latchmechanism). The outer housing 815A is generally of conventionalconstruction and is configured to allow the latch arms of the adapter910A to latch with the connector end assembly 813A, as shown in FIG. 63.In the blocking position, the outer housing 815A overlies the latch armsof the adapter 910A, preventing the latch arms from releasing theconnector end assembly 813A. The outer housing 815A is yieldably biased(such as by one or more springs) to a blocking position (FIGS. 47 and63) relative to the ferrule assembly 812A (broadly, the rest of theconnector end assembly 811A). The outer housing 815A is movable (e.g.,longitudinally slidable) relative to the ferrule assembly 812A from theblocking position to an unblocked position (FIGS. 55 and 62). Theunblocked position is rearward of the blocked position. The connectorend assembly 811A is configured to be operatively latched in an adapter910A (e.g., a specific type of adapter) to make a communicationconnection to the ferrule assembly 812A (e.g., make a communicationconnection with another connector 810A). The outer housing 815A isconfigured to retain the connector end assembly 811A in the adapter 910Awhen in the blocking position. The outer housing 815A is configured tomove relative to the ferrule assembly 812A from the blocking position tothe unblocked position to unlatch the connector end assembly 811A fromthe adapter 910A.

Unlike conventional constructions, the connector end assembly 811Aincludes a rotational alignment key 848. The rotational alignment key848 is configured to engage the port 716 to prevent rotation of theconnector 810A relative to the port when the connector is plugged intothe port of the multiport device 710. The rotational alignment key 848is sized and shaped to be inserted into the alignment key channel 717 ofone of the ports 716 of the multiport device 710, to ensure theconnector 810A is in the correct orientation relative to the port. Therotational alignment key 848 is spaced apart from the connection end ofthe connector 810A along the longitudinal axis of the connector towardan opposite cable end of the connector. In the illustrated embodiment,the rotational alignment key 848 comprises a projection extendinglongitudinally. In this embodiment, the rotational alignment key 848 ismounted on (e.g., fixed to) the outer housing 815A.

Each port 716 of the multiport device 710 is configured to defeat one ormore latches of a connector 810. Specifically, each port 716 of themultiport device 710 is configured to defeat the outer housing 815A of(e.g., associated with) the connector 810A. The port body 712 of themultiport device 710 is configured to engage the connector 810A toretain the movable outer housing 815A in the unblocked position when theconnector is plugged into a port 716. Specifically, each port 716 caninclude one or more latch defeating elements to defeat or position theouter housing 815A in the unblocked position when the connector 810A iscoupled to the port 716 and the ferrule assembly 812A is disposed in theadapter 910A. By defeating the outer housing 815A of the connector 810A,the connection end assembly 811A does not latch onto the adapter 910A.This way the connector 810A can be disconnected from the port 716 (e.g.,the ferrule assembly 812A can be withdrawn from the adapter 910A). Ifthe port 716 of the multiport device 710 did not defeat the outerhousing 815A, the outer housing would secure the connector 810A to thecommunication port 910A, thereby preventing the connector from beingable to withdraw the ferrule assembly 812A from the adapter (because theouter housing would not be accessible within the port). If not defeated,the outer housing 815A would otherwise automatically block the latcharms of the adapter 910A because the outer housing is biased in theblocking position (e.g., manual intervention is not required to have thelatch connect to the adapter).

In this embodiment, the latching defeating element comprises the endsurface 719 of each port 716 that defines the closed, inner end of thealignment key channel 717. As the connector 810A is inserted into theport 716, the end surface 710 engages the rotational alignment key 848(FIG. 62), thereby preventing the rotational alignment key and outerhousing 815A from continuing to move forward, toward the adapter 910A.As a result, the outer housing 815A moves rearward relative to theferrule assembly 812A to the unblocked position as the connector 810Acontinues to be inserted into the port 716. Accordingly, when theconnector 810A is coupled to the port 716, the outer housing 815A is inthe unblocked position and doesn't allow the adapter 910A to latch withthe connector end assembly 813A.

Referring to FIGS. 49-53, the connector 810A also includes a portengagement portion 816 that is attached to the connector end assembly811A. The port engagement portion 816 is spaced apart from theconnection end (e.g., ferrule assembly 812A) of the connector 810A alongthe longitudinal axis of the connector toward the opposite cable end ofthe connector (e.g., the end from which the cable 308 extends. The portengagement portion 816 includes a port coupling body 818 and a portinsert body 819. The port coupling body 818 and port insert body 819 areconnected together. The port insert body 819 includes a main orintermediate portion 821, a front post 823 extending forward from themain portion and a back post 825 extending rearward from the mainportion. The front post 823 is attached to the connection end assembly811A. The front post 823 may have different configurations (e.g.,lengths) depending on the type of connection end assembly 811 attachedto it. The back post 825 is used to mount the port coupling body 818 onthe port insert body 819. The port insert body (and a portion of theport coupling body 818) is sized and shaped to be received by theopening of the port 716 (e.g., connector socket 718) of the multiportdevice 710 when the connector 810A is plugged into the port.Accordingly, the exterior of the port insert body 819 (and port couplingbody 818) is sized and shaped to correspond to (e.g., generally match)the size and shape of the connector socket 718 of the ports 716.Preferably, the fit between the port engagement portion 816 and theconnector socket 718 is relatively tight so as to inhibit lateralmovement and twisting of the connector 810A in the multiport device 710,which could otherwise damage and/or impair the communication connectionformed by the connector. The port engagement portion 816 (e.g., the portcoupling body 818) extends out of the opening of the port 716 at theouter end of the port housing 714 when the connector 810A is coupled tothe multiport device 710.

The connector 810A includes a seal 828 (e.g., an O-ring) configured toengage a port 716 of the multiport device 710 to form a fluid-tight sealwith the multiport device to prevent the ingress of moisture and debris.The seal 828 is spaced apart from the connection end (e.g., ferruleassembly 812A) of the connector 810A along the longitudinal axis of theconnector toward the opposite cable (e.g., rear) end. The seal 828 isdisposed on the main portion 821. The main portion 821 defines anannular seal groove sized and shaped to receive the seal 828. The cable308 extends rearward from the rear end (e.g., the back post 825) of theport engagement portion 816. A strain relief boot 824 is attached to therear end portion of the port engagement portion 816 to support andstrengthen the interface between the cable 308 and the connector 810A.

The port coupling body 818 is configured to be supported by the portinsert body 819 (e.g., by the back post 825). The port coupling body 818(e.g., sleeve) defines a post passageway 820 that receives the back post825 of the port insert body 819. The back post 825 extends through thepost passageway 820. The port coupling body 818 extendscircumferentially around the back post 825. The port coupling body 818is supported on the back post 825 at a coupling body locating area 822(FIG. 53). The coupling body locating area 822 is between the mainportion 821 and the strain relief boot 824 (e.g., rear end of the backpost 825). Accordingly, the port coupling body 818 is disposed between afront end of the strain relief boot 824 (which may inhibit the portcoupling body from moving rearward off the back post 825) and a rear endof the main portion 821. The port engagement portion 816 (e.g., the mainportion 821 of the port insert portion 819) forms an enlarged perimetersection of the connector 810A. The connector end assembly 811A defines afront perimeter section (e.g., connection end portion) of the connector810A that has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the enlargedperimeter section.

The port coupling body 818 and the port insert body 819 each includealignment keys 827 configured to engage each other to orient the twocomponents relative to each other and to inhibit the two components fromrotating relative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the portinsert body 819 includes flats 829 on opposite sides thereof (FIG. 53)that engage corresponding flats 831 of the port coupling body 818 onopposite sides of the passageway 820 (FIG. 52) to inhibit rotation ofthe two component relative to each other. As shown in FIG. 51, the flats829, 831 have different configurations (e.g.., sizes, lengths) so thatthe port insert body 819 and port coupling body 818 can only be coupledtogether in one orientation.

Referring back to FIGS. 47-63, the port engagement portion 816 of theconnector 810A includes a latch 834 (e.g., an overhead latch). The latch834 of connector 810A is generally analogous (e.g., identical) to thelatch 334 of the connector 310 and, thus, for ease of comprehension,where similar, analogous or identical parts are used, reference numerals“500” units higher are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated orindicated otherwise, the descriptions herein regarding the latch 334 ofthe connector 310 also apply to the latch 834 of connector 810A. Forexample, the deflection surface 748 of the latch retainer 746 engagesthe sloped surface 844 of the wedge engagement tip 842 to deflect thelatch 834 as the connector 810A is mated with a port 716 of themultiport device 710, as show in FIGS. 59 and 60.

In this embodiment, the latch 834 is attached to the port coupling body818. The latch 834 is spaced apart from the rotational alignment key 848along the longitudinal axis of the connector 810A toward the cable end.The rotational alignment key 848 is at one (e.g., a first)circumferential alignment position about the longitudinal axis and thelatch 834 is at another (e.g., a second) circumferential alignmentposition about the longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst and second circumferential alignment positions are about 90degrees apart.

Referring to FIGS. 64-75, another embodiment of a connector according tothe present disclosure is generally indicated at 810B. Connector 810B isgenerally analogous to connector 810A and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearlystated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions herein regardingconnector 810A also apply to connector 810B. For example, the deflectionsurface 748 of the latch retainer 746 engages the sloped surface 844 ofthe wedge engagement tip 842 to deflect the latch 834 as the connector810B is mated with a port 716 of the multiport device 710, as shown inFIGS. 71 and 72.

In this embodiment, the connector end assembly 811B of the connector810B comprises a SC connector end assembly. The connector end housing813B comprises a SC connector end housing and the ferrule assembly 812Bcomprises a SC ferrule assembly. Thus, in this embodiment, the connector810B may be referred to as a SC connector (e.g., SC optical connector).

To go with the SC connector 810B, the multiport assembly includes acorresponding adapter 910B (FIG. 69). Specifically, the adapter 910Bcomprises a SC adapter (e.g., a SC fiber optic adapter). The adapter910B is of conventional or known construction and thus a detaileddescription is omitted herein. Generally, the adapter 910B receivesferrule assemblies 812B though opposite ends of the adapter so that theferrule assemblies operatively engage each other within the adapter toform the communication connection (e.g., fiber optic connection). Theadapter 910B also includes structural features (e.g., internal latches)that allow it to latch to the connection end housing 813B, to secure theferrule assembly 812B to the adapter. As mentioned above, the adapter910B is receivable by the receptacle receivers 754 of the multiportdevice 710. Thus, when the both the adapter 910B and the connector 810Bare coupled to the multiport device 710, the ferrule assembly 812B(e.g., a front end thereof) of the connector is disposed in the adapter,as shown in FIGS. 71 and 64.

The connector end assembly 811B is generally of conventional or knownconstruction (except for the rotational alignment key 848). Thus, theconnector end housing 813B and the ferrule assembly 812B are generallyof conventional construction. In this embodiment, the connector endhousing 813B includes one or more detents 833 (FIG. 66) that areconfigured to be engaged by the internal latches of the adapter 910B.Thus, in this embodiment, the connector end assembly 811B does notinclude a latch. In this embodiment, the latching and unlatching of theinternal latches of the adapter 910B with the detents 833 occurs withapplication of a sufficient amount of manual force. For example, theuser applies a sufficient amount of manual force to the connector 810Bin a forward direction to insert the connector end housing 813B into theadapter 910B (to engage the latches with the detents 833). Likewise, theuser applies a sufficient amount of manual force to the connector 810Bin a rearward direction to remove the connector end housing 813B fromthe adapter 910B (to disengage the latches with the detents 833). Theinternal latches of the adapter 910B are resiliently biased toward thelatching position, such that the latches are deflected (as a result ofthe application of the manual force) as the connector end housing 813Bis inserted into or removed from the adapter. Otherwise, the adapter910B generally operates and functions in a similar manner to adapter910A.

Referring to FIGS. 76-90, another embodiment of a connector according tothe present disclosure is generally indicated at 810C. Connector 810C isgenerally analogous to connector 810A and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearlystated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions herein regardingconnector 810A also apply to connector 810C. For example, the deflectionsurface 748 of the latch retainer 746 engages the sloped surface 844 ofthe wedge engagement tip 842 to deflect the latch 834 as the connector810C is mated with a port 716 of the multiport device 710, as shown inFIGS. 84 and 85.

In this embodiment, the connector end assembly 811C of the connector810C comprises a SN (e.g., duplex LC) connector end assembly. Theconnector end housing 813C comprises a SN connector end housing and theferrule assembly 812C comprises a SN ferrule assembly. Thus, in thisembodiment, the connector 810C may be referred to as a SN connector(e.g., SN optical connector).

To go with the SN connector 810C, the multiport assembly includes acorresponding adapter 910C (FIG. 82). Specifically, the adapter 910Ccomprises a SN adapter (e.g., a SN fiber optic adapter). The adapter910C is of conventional or known construction and thus a detaileddescription is omitted herein. Generally, the adapter 910C receivesferrules assemblies 812C though either end such that the ferruleassemblies engage each other within the adapter to form thecommunication connection (e.g., fiber optic connection). The adapter910C also includes structural features (e.g., recesses) that allowlatches to latch to the adapter, to secure the ferrule assembly 812C tothe adapter. As mentioned above, the adapter 910C is receivable by thereceptacle receivers 754 of the multiport device 710. Thus, when theboth the adapter 910C and the connector 810C are coupled to themultiport device 710, the ferrule assembly 812C (e.g., a front endthereof) of the connector is disposed in the adapter, as shown in FIGS.84 and 87.

The connector end assembly 811C is generally of conventional or knownconstruction (except for the rotational alignment key 848). Thus, theconnector end housing 813C and the ferrule assembly 812C are generallyof conventional construction. In this embodiment, the connector endhousing 813C includes two moveable latches 815C (broadly, one or morelatches). The latches 815C (broadly, a latch mechanism) are generally ofconventional construction and are configured to latch onto the adapter910C, as shown in FIGS. 89 and 90. The latches 815C are generallyidentical. The latches 815C are resiliently deflectable and yieldablybiased to a latching position (FIGS. 89 and 90) relative to the ferruleassembly 812C (broadly, the rest of the connector end assembly 811C).The latches 815C are each movable (e.g., laterally deflectable) relativeto the ferrule assembly 813C from the latching position to an unlatchingposition (FIG. 88). The unlatching position is inward or closer to theconnector end housing 813C than the latching position. The connector endassembly 811C is configured to be operatively latched in an adapter 910C(e.g., a specific type of adapter) to make a communication connection tothe ferrule assembly 812C (e.g., make a communication connection withanother connector 810C). The latches 815C are configured to retain theconnector end assembly 811C in the adapter 910C when in the latchingposition. The latch 815C is configured to move relative to the ferruleassembly 812C from the latching position to the unlatching position tounlatch the connector end assembly 811C from the adapter 910C.

As mentioned above, each port 716 of the multiport device 710 isconfigured to defeat the latches 815C of the connector 810C. The portbody 712 of the multiport device 710 is configured to engage theconnector 810C to retain the movable latches 815C in the unlatchingpositions when the connector is plugged into a port 716. As mentionedabove, each port 716 can include one or more latch defeating elements todefeat or position the latches 815C in the unlatching position when theconnector 810C is coupled to the port 716 and the ferrule assembly 812Cis disposed in the adapter 910C. Broadly, each port 716 can includes oneor more latch defeating elements to defeat the latches of differenttypes of connectors 910. By defeating the latches 815C of the connector810C, the latches (broadly, the connection end assembly 811C) do notlatch onto the adapter 910C. This way the connector 810C can bedisconnected from the port 716 (e.g., the ferrule assembly 812C can bewithdrawn from the adapter 910C). If the port 716 of the multiportdevice 710 did not defeat the latches 815C, the latches would secure theconnector 810C to the communication port 910C, thereby preventing theconnector from being able to withdraw the ferrule assembly 812C from theadapter (because the latch would not be accessible within the port). Ifnot defeated, the latches 815C would otherwise automatically latch ontothe adapter 910C because the latches are biased in the latching position(e.g., manual intervention is not required to have the latch connect tothe adapter).

In this embodiment, the latch defeating element comprises a ramp orsloped surface 721 (FIG. 88) of each port 716. The ramp 721 is arrangedto engage the latches 815C of the connector 810C when the connector isinserted into and coupled to the port 716. In other embodiments, eachport may include multiple ramps, one for each latch 815C of theconnector 810C. As the connector 810C is inserted into the port 716, theramp 721 engages the latches 815C (e.g., an outer, free end thereof),thereby pushing latches inward toward the connector end housing 813C(e.g., the unlatching position) as the connector is pushed further intothe port. When the connector 810C is coupled to the port 716, thelatches 815C are engaged by the ramp 721 and held in the unlatchingposition, thereby preventing the latches from coupling to the adapter910C.

Referring to FIGS. 91-95, another embodiment of a connector according tothe present disclosure is generally indicated at 810D. Connector 810D isgenerally analogous to connector 810A and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,identical reference numerals are employed. Accordingly, unless clearlystated or indicated otherwise, the descriptions herein regardingconnector 810A also apply to connector 810D.

In this embodiment, the ferrule assembly 812D comprises an electricalcontact assembly (containing one or more electrical ferrules orcontacts). Thus, in this embodiment, the connector 810D may be referredto as an electrical connector (e.g., an electrical power plug). Theconnector 810D is attach to an end of an electrical cable 306. Theconnector 810D includes a connector housing 814 that supports theferrule assembly 812D. The connector housing 814 extends along alongitudinal axis. The connector housing 814 extends from a front endportion to a rear end portion. The cable 306 extends rearward from therear end portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the ferrule assembly812D is disposed at the forward end of the connector housing 814 andwithin the connector housing. The ferrule assembly 812D (e.g., one ormore electrical contacts) are exposed through the front end of theconnector housing 814 for making a communication connection (e.g., anelectrical connection). The seal 828 is disposed on the connectorhousing 814. The connector housing 814 defines an annular seal groovesized and shaped to receive the seal 828. In the embodiment, the portengagement portion 816 does not include a port insert body. Instead, theconnector housing 814 includes a back post 825 to which the portcoupling body 818 attaches. When attached, the port coupling body 818extends along the longitudinal axis along a rear end portion (e.g., backpost 825) of the connector housing 814. The back post 825 and the portcoupling body 818 each have flats on opposite sides thereof that engageeach other to inhibit rotation of the two components relative to eachother and permit the port coupling body to be coupled to the connectorhousing 814 in only one orientation. In this embodiment, the rotationalalignment key 848 and the latch 834 are both at the same circumferentialalignment position about the longitudinal axis of the connector housing814.

To go with the electrical connector 810D, the multiport assemblyincludes a corresponding adapter 910D (FIG. 95) and corresponding porthousings 714′ that have receptacle receivers 754 that receive theadapter 910D. In other embodiment, the adapter 910D may have a size andshape to be used with the communication receivers 754 of port housings714A, 714B. In this embodiment, the adapter 910D comprises an electricaladapter (e.g., an electrical adapter or power adapter). The adapter 910Dincludes a body 912 supporting two or more electrical contacts or pins914 (e.g., power pins). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, theadapter 910D includes four pins 914A-D, although more or fewer pins arewithin the scope of the present disclosure. The body 912 includes afirst end portion and a second end portion spaced apart along alongitudinal axis. The adapter 910D includes at least one pin 914 (e.g.,a first end pin) at the first end portion of the body and at least onepin (e.g., a second end pin) at the second end portion of the body. Thebody 912 is sized and shaped to be received by the receptacle receivers754. The body 912 includes a perimeter extending circumferentially aboutthe longitudinal axis along the longitudinal axis. The perimeter of thebody 912 preferably has a perimeter footprint (e.g., a cross-sectionalshape of the body) that corresponds with a perimeter footprint of otheradapters, such as a standard SC adapter. This allows the adapter 910Dand standard adapters to be interchangeable within port housings 714,714′.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first pin 914A protrudes from thefirst end portion of the body 912 along a first pin axis. The first pinaxis is parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second pin 914B protrudesfrom the first end portion of the body 912 along a second pin axis. Thesecond pin axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis and is spaced apartfrom the first pin axis. The third pin 914C protrudes from the secondend portion of the body 912 along the first pin axis. The fourth pin914D protrudes from the second end portion of the body 912 along thesecond pin axis. One pin 914 on each end portion of the body 912 has afirst polarity and the other pin on the same end portion of the body hasa second polarity. The pins 914 of the same polarity on each end portionof the body 912 are communicatively (e.g., electrically) coupledtogether. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first andfourth pins 914A, 914D have a first polarity (e.g., a negative polarity)and the second and third pins 914B, 914C have a second polarity (e.g., apositive polarity).

Each set of pins 914 on an end portion of the body 912 is configured tobe coupled to (e.g., electrically coupled to) the ferrule assembly 812Dof a connector 810D, thereby forming an electrical connection betweenthe adapter 910D and the connector (and between the two connectorscoupled to each end of the adapter). Specifically, each pin 914 isreceived by (e.g., inserted into) one of the female electrical contactsof the ferrule assembly 812D. The adapter 910D does not includestructural features (besides the pins 914 which form an interference fitwith the electrical contacts of the ferrule assembly 812D) that latch tothe connector 910D. According, the connector 810D does not includelatches for latching onto the adapter 910D. Otherwise, the adapter 910Dgenerally operates and functions in a similar manner to adapter 910A.

As is now apparent, the connectors 810 are similar to the connectors310, and thus, were appropriate, the descriptions regarding theconnectors 310 may also apply to the connectors 810 (e.g., connector810A-D). The multiport devices 110, 710 of the multiport assemblies areconfigured to interchangeable mate with connectors 310, 810. These canbe the same style (e.g., optical fiber, electrical, etc.) of connectorsor different styles. For example, the multiport devices 110, 710 areconfigured to interchangeably mate with optical connectors 310, 810A-C(e.g., optical fiber connectors) and electrical connectors 810D.Specifically, the adapters 154, 754 of the multiport device 110, 710 aresized and shaped to selectively receive one of an optical fiber adapter210A-C, 910A-C for forming an optical connection using a fiber opticconnector 310, 810A-C or an electrical adapter 910D for forming anelectrical connection using (e.g., with) an electrical connector 810D.

Referring to FIGS. 96-99, another embodiment of an auxiliary port device(broadly, a port device) of the present disclosure is generallyindicated at reference numeral 1010. Auxiliary port device 1010 isgenerally analogous to auxiliary port device 510 and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,reference numerals “500” units higher are employed, except when theauxiliary port device 1010 includes similar, analogous or identicalparts to that of the multiport device 710 in which case identicalreference numerals to that of the multiport device are employed.Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, thedescriptions herein regarding the multiport device 710 and auxiliaryport device 510 also apply to auxiliary port device 1010. Thisembodiment of the auxiliary port device 1010 is configured to be usedwith the multiport device 710 to expand the capacity of the multiportassembly. Accordingly, the auxiliary port device 1010 is configured tobe used with connectors 810.

In this embodiment, the first and second port housings 1014 are similarto the first and second port housings 714 of the multiport device 710,except each port housing of the auxiliary port device 1010 only includesone port 716 and one receptacle receiver 754. Details of the ports 716and receptacle receivers 754 are described above, and thus the detailsof these components of the auxiliary port device 1010 are not repeatedhere. Accordingly, like the multiport device 710, the auxiliary portdevice 1010 can also be configured to receive a particular type ofconnector 810 depending upon the adapter 910 coupled to the auxiliaryport device. In the illustrated embodiment, a SC adapter 910B is coupledto the auxiliary port device 1010 to configure the auxiliary port deviceto receive SC connectors 810B, as shown. A MPO adapter 910A, SN adapter910C, or electrical adapter 910D may be coupled to the auxiliary portdevice 1010 in other arrangements to receive MPO connectors 810A, SNconnectors 810C, or electrical connectors 810D, respectively.

In this embodiment, the auxiliary port device 1010 includes a coupler1092. The coupler 1092 is configured to releasably coupled the first andsecond port housings 1014 together. In the illustrated embodiment, thecoupler 1092 comprises one or more bolts 1094 (e.g., screws, bolts) thatextend through aligned openings in the port housings 1014 and that aresecured with nuts 1096. Other configurations of the coupler 1092 arewithin the scope of the present disclosure. To facilitate the couplingof the first and second port housings 1014 together, each port housingincludes an alignment projection 1077 and an alignment recess 1079(broadly, one of the port housings includes the alignment projection andthe other port housing includes the alignment recess). Each alignmentrecess 1079 is sized and shaped to receive an alignment projection 1077of the other port housing 1014, when the first and second port housingsare coupled together.

The auxiliary port device 1010 includes mounting structure 1080configured to facilitate the mounting of the auxiliary port device onthe multiport device 710. The mounting structure 1080 is defined by boththe first and second port housings 1014. In the illustrated embodiment,the mounting structure 1080 comprises one or more recesses 1082 on eachport housing 1014 that are each configured to receive a correspondingprojection of a mounting bracket (not shown) that attaches or mounts theauxiliary port device on the multiport device 710. In addition, themounting structure 1080 for each port housing 1014 also includes amounting bracket channel 1099 for receiving a section of the mountingbracket. The mounting bracket for auxiliary port device 1010 maygenerally extend around the first and second port housing 1014, similarto mounting bracket 570. To further facilitate the mounting of theauxiliary port device 1010 on the multiport device 710, the first andsecond port housings 1014 also include an arcuate or curved bottomsurface 1015 that generally matches the arcuate or curved exteriorsurface of the port housings 714 of the multiport device 710.

Referring to FIGS. 100-103, another embodiment of an auxiliary portdevice (broadly, a port device) of the present disclosure is generallyindicated at reference numeral 1110. Auxiliary port device 1110 isgenerally analogous to auxiliary port device 1010 and, thus, for ease ofcomprehension, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used,reference numerals “100” units higher are employed, except when theauxiliary port device 1110 includes similar, analogous or identicalparts to that of the multiport device 710 in which case identicalreference numerals to that of the multiport device are employed.Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, thedescriptions herein regarding the multiport device 710 and auxiliaryport device 1010 also apply to auxiliary port device 1110. In thisembodiment, the mounting structure 1180 of the auxiliary port device1110 includes mounting bracket channels 1199 but does not includerecesses. In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical adapter 910D iscoupled to the auxiliary port device 1110 to configure the auxiliaryport device to receive electrical connectors 810D, as shown. A MPOadapter 910A, SN adapter 910B, or SC adapter 910C may be coupled to theauxiliary port device 1110 in other arrangements to receive MPOconnectors 810A, SN connectors 810B, or SC connectors 810C,respectively.

Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the invention defined in theappended claims. For example, where specific dimensions are given, itwill be understood that they are exemplary only and other dimensions arepossible.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s)thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”,“including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products,and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description and shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

Other Statements of the Invention

The following are statements or features of invention described in thepresent disclosure. Although some of the following statements are notcurrently presented as claims, the statements are believed to bepatentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. Associatedmethods corresponding to the statements or apparatuses or systems below,are also believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented asclaims. It is understood that the following statement may refer to andbe supported by one, more than one or all of the embodiments describedabove.

A1. A multiport device for connecting communication connectors, themultiport device comprising: a first port housing including a pluralityof first ports, each first port being configured to receive and coupleto one of the connectors; and a second port housing including aplurality of second ports, each second port being configured to receiveand couple to one of the connectors; wherein the first and second porthousings are releasably coupled together, wherein when the first andsecond port housings are coupled together, the first and second portsare aligned with each other such that a communication connection isformed between first and second connectors when the first connector iscoupled to one of the first ports and the second connector is coupled toone of the second ports corresponding to said one of the first ports.

A2. The multiport device of feature A1, further comprising a seal at aninterface of the first and second port housings, the interface beingformed when the first and second port housings are coupled together, theseal being configured to form a fluid tight seal at the interface.

A3. The multiport device of feature A2, wherein the seal is a first sealand wherein the multiport device further comprises a second seal at theinterface, the second seal being configured to form a fluid tight sealat the interface.

A4. The multiport device of feature A3, wherein the first and secondseals are concentrically arranged.

A5. The multiport device of feature A1, further comprising a couplerconfigured to releasably couple the first and second port housingstogether.

A6. The multiport device of feature A5, wherein the coupler comprises afastener.

A7. The multiport device of feature A1, wherein the coupler isconfigured to engage the first and second port housings to prevent thefirst and second port housings from rotating relative to each other.

A8. The multiport device of feature A1, wherein the first and secondport housings each have an outer end portion and an inner end portionspaced apart from the outer end portion.

A9. The multiport device of feature A8, wherein the inner end portionsof the first and second port housings engage each other when the firstand second port housings are coupled together.

A10. The multiport device of feature A9, wherein each first port has anouter opening at the outer end portion of the first port housing and aconnector socket extending toward the inner end portion of the firstport housing from the outer opening, and each second port has an outeropening at the outer end portion of the second port housing and aconnector socket extending toward the inner end portion of the secondport housing from the outer opening of said second port.

A11. The multiport device of feature A10, wherein the connector socketsof corresponding first and second ports align with each other when thefirst and second port housings are coupled together.

A12. The multiport device of feature A1, wherein the first and secondport housings are identical.

B1. A multiport device for connecting connectors, each connectorincluding a ferrule assembly, the multiport device comprising: a porthousing including a port configured to receive and couple to a firstconnector of the connectors and a receptacle receiver sized and shapedfor selectively receiving at least a portion of an adapter therein, theport and receptacle receiver being arranged such that when the firstconnector is coupled to the port and the adapter is received in thereceptacle receiver, the ferrule assembly of the first connector isreceived by the adapter.

B2. The multiport device of feature B1, further comprising the adapter.

B3. The multiport device of feature B2, wherein the adapter isconfigured to receive one of a MPO ferrule assembly, a SC ferruleassembly, or a SN ferrule assembly.

B4. The multiport device of feature B2, wherein the adapter comprisesone of a MPO fiber optic adapter, a SC fiber optic adapter, a SN fiberoptic adapter, or an electrical adapter.

B5. The multiport device of feature B2, wherein the adapter includes areceptacle receiver anti-turning key configured to engage the receptaclereceiver to inhibit the adapter from turning within the receptaclereceiver.

B6. The multiport device of feature B5, wherein the receptacle receiveranti-turning key includes opposite flat exterior sides of the adapter.

B7. The multiport device of feature B1, further comprising a pluralityof the adapters, wherein the plurality includes at least one MPOadapter, at least one SC adapter, and at least one SN adapter.

B8. The multiport device of feature B5, wherein said at least one MPOadapter, said at least one SC adapter, and said at least one SN adapterall have the same exterior size and shape.

B9. The multiport device of feature B2, wherein the port housing is afirst port housing, the port is a first port, and the receptaclereceiver is a first receptacle receiver, the multiport device furthercomprising a second port housing configured to couple to the first porthousing, the second port housing including a second port configured toreceive and couple to a second connector of the connectors and a secondreceptacle receiver sized and shaped for selectively receiving a portionof the adapter therein, the second port and second receptacle receiverbeing arranged such that when the second connector is coupled to thesecond port and the adapter is received in the second receptaclereceiver, the ferrule assembly of the second connector is received bythe adapter.

B10. The multiport device of feature B9, wherein a communicationconnection forms between the first and second connectors within theadapter when the first and second port housings are coupled together,the adapter is disposed in the first and second receptacle receivers,and the first and second connectors are coupled to the respective firstand second ports.

B11. The multiport device of feature B2, wherein the adapter includes aconnector anti-turning key configured to engage the connector to inhibitthe connector from turning relative to the adapter.

B12. The multiport device of feature B11, wherein the connectoranti-turning key includes opposite flat interior sides of the adapter.

B13. A multiport device kit for connecting connectors, the multiportdevice kit comprising: a first adapter configured for connectors of afirst type; a second adapter configured for connectors of a second type;a first port housing including a first port configured to receive andcouple to a first connector and a first receptacle receiver sized andshaped for selectively receiving a portion of either the first or secondadapter therein; and a second port housing configured to couple to thefirst port housing, the second port housing including a second portconfigured to receive and couple to a second connector and a secondreceptacle receiver sized and shaped for selectively receiving a portionof either the first or second adapter therein, wherein the first andsecond receptacle receivers align with each other when the first andsecond port housings are coupled together such that only one of thefirst or second adapters can be received by the aligned first and secondreceptacle receivers.

C1. A port device for connecting to a connector having a movable latchyieldably biased in a latching position and movable to an unlatchingposition, the port device comprising: a port housing including a portconfigured to receive and couple to the connector, the port including alatch retainer configured to be engaged by the latch of the connector tosecure the connector to the port, the latch retainer being configured toengage and deflect the latch toward the unlatching position as theconnector is inserted in an insertion direction into the port.

C2. The port device of feature C1, wherein the latch retainer isdisposed on an exterior of the port housing.

C3. The port device of feature C1, wherein the latch retainer includes adeflection surface that slopes outward as it extends in the insertiondirection, the deflection surface configured to engage and deflect thelatch of the connector.

C4. The port device of feature C3, wherein the latch retainer includesan end surface the is generally perpendicular to the insertion directionand is configured to engage the latch of the connector when the latch isin the latching position to secure the connector to the port.

C5. The port device of feature C1, wherein the port housing defines alatch channel disposed on an exterior of the port housing, the latchchannel sized and shaped to receive the latch and permit the latch tomove therein, the latch retainer disposed in the latch channel.

C6. The port device of feature C1, further comprising the connector.

C7. The port device of feature C1, wherein the port housing isconfigured to defeat a latch mechanism associated with the connector.

C8. A connector for being plugged into a port of a port device, theconnector comprising: a ferrule assembly defining a connection end ofthe connector; and a port engagement portion spaced apart from theconnection end of the connector along a longitudinal axis of theconnector toward an opposite cable end of the connector, the portengagement portion including: a port insert body sized and shaped forbeing received in the port of the port device when the connector isplugged into the port; and a deflectable latch coupled to the portinsert body and configured for latching engagement with the port deviceto releasably retain the connector in the port.

C9. The connector of feature C8, wherein the latch includes a latch baseattached to the port insert body and an overhang latch arm attached tothe latch base, the overhang latch arm is spaced apart from the portinsert body and configured for the latching engagement with the portdevice.

C10. The connector of feature C9, wherein the overhang latch arm definesa slot sized and shaped to receive a portion of the port device for thelatching engagement with the port device.

C11. The connector of feature C10, wherein the overhang latch armincludes a sloped surface at a free end portion of the overhang latcharm, the sloped surface being configured to engage the port device todeflect the latch as the connector is plugged into the port.

C12. The connector of feature C8, wherein the latch is deflectablebetween a latching position and an unlatching position.

C13. The connector of feature C8, further comprising a rotationalalignment key spaced apart from the connection end of the connectoralong the longitudinal axis toward the opposite cable end, therotational alignment key being configured to engage the port to preventrotation of the connector relative to the port when the connector isplugged into the port.

C14. The connector of feature C8, further comprising a connector housingsupporting the ferrule assembly, the port insert body extendingcircumferentially around the connector housing.

C15. The connector of feature C14, wherein the port insert body islongitudinally slidable along the connector housing.

C16. The connector of feature C15, the connector housing including astop configured to engage the port insert body to limit the movement ofthe port insert body toward the connection end.

C17. The connector of feature C8, further comprising a seal spaced apartfrom the connection end of the connector along the longitudinal axistoward the opposite cable end, the seal configured to engage the port ofthe port device to form a fluid-tight seal with the port device.

C18. The connector of feature C8, further comprising a connector housingsupporting the ferrule assembly, the port insert body of the portengagement portion configured to form a snap-fit connection with theconnector housing to couple the port engagement portion to the connectorhousing.

D1. A multiport device for connecting connectors of different types,each connector including a ferrule assembly, the multiport devicecomprising: a port housing including a plurality of ports, each portconfigured to receive and couple to one of the connectors, the porthousing including a plurality of identification insert mounts, eachidentification insert mount being disposed on an exterior of the porthousing to align with and visually correspond to one of the plurality ofports; and a plurality of identification inserts, each identificationinsert including indicia identifying one type of the connector, eachidentification insert including an identification insert couplerconfigured to couple to one of the identification insert mountscorresponding to one of the plurality of ports to attach saididentification insert to the port housing such that said identificationinsert provides a visual indication of the type of connector to bereceived by said one port of the plurality of ports.

D2. The multiport device of feature D1, wherein the connectors areoptical connectors and the indicia identifies a MPO-type opticalconnector, a SC-type optical connector, or a SN-type optical connector.

D3. The multiport device of feature D1, wherein the plurality ofidentification inserts includes a first sub-set of identificationinserts and a second sub-set of identification inserts, wherein theindicia of each identification insert of the first sub-set ofidentification inserts identifies a first type of connector, and whereinthe indicia of each identification insert of the second sub-set ofidentification inserts identifies a second type of connector.

D4. The multiport device of feature D1, wherein the port housing isselectively configurable so that each port of the plurality of ports isconfigured to receive different types of the connector.

D5. The multiport device of feature D4, further comprising a pluralityof adapters, each adapter corresponding to one type of the connectors,each adapter being selectively attachable to the port housing such thatsaid adapter is associated with one of the plurality of ports andconfigures said one port to receive said one type of connectorcorresponding to said adapter.

D6. The multiport device of feature D4, wherein each adapter isconfigured to receive one of a MPO connector, a SC connector, or a SNconnector.

D7. The multiport device of feature D4, wherein the plurality ofadapters includes a first sub-set of adapters and a second sub-set ofadapters, wherein each adapter of the first sub-set of adapters isconfigured to receive a first type of connector, and wherein eachadapter of the second sub-set of adapters is configured to receive asecond type of connector.

D8. The multiport device of feature D1, wherein the identificationinsert coupler of each identification insert is configured to form asnap-fit connection with said one of the identification insert mounts.

D9. The multiport device of feature D8, wherein the identificationinsert coupler of each identification insert includes a resilientlydeflectable latch leg.

D10. The multiport device of feature D9, wherein the resilientlydeflectable latch leg includes a detent.

D11. The multiport device of feature D10, wherein each identificationinsert mount includes a recess sized and shaped to receive the detent ofthe deflectable latch leg of the identification insert coupler of eachidentification insert.

D12. The multiport device of feature D8, wherein the identificationinsert coupler of each identification inset includes first and secondresiliently deflectable latch legs.

D13. The multiport device of feature D1, wherein each identificationinsert includes a cap, the indicia disposed on the cap and theidentification insert coupler extending from the cap.

D14. The multiport device of feature D13, wherein the cap defines arecess sized and shaped to receive an end of a tool to facilitatedisconnecting the identification insert from said one of theidentification insert mounts.

E1. An auxiliary port device for a multiport device, the auxiliary portdevice comprising: a first port housing including a first port, thefirst port configured to receive and couple to a first connector; asecond port housing including a second port, the second port configuredto receive and couple to a second connector, the first and second porthousings being releasably coupled together, wherein when the first andsecond port housings are coupled together, the first and second portsare aligned with each other such that a communication connection isformed between the first and second connectors when the first connectoris coupled to the first port and the second connector is coupled to thesecond port; and a mounting structure configured to facilitate mountingthe auxiliary port on the multiport device.

E2. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, wherein the mountingstructure is defined by both the first and second port housings.

E3. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, wherein the mountingstructure comprises a seat configured to be received by a mountingbracket of the multiport device.

E4. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, wherein the mountingstructure comprises one or more projections configured to be insertedinto one or more corresponding slots in a mounting bracket of themultiport device.

E5. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, further comprising a sealat an interface of the first and second port housings, the interfaceformed when the first and second port housings are coupled together, theseal configured to form a fluid tight seal at the interface.

E6. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, further comprising acoupler configured to releasably couple the first and second porthousings together.

E7. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, wherein the first andsecond port housings are identical.

E8. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, wherein one of the firstand second port housings includes an alignment projection and the otherone of the first and second port housings includes an alignment recesssized and shaped to receive the alignment projection when the first andsecond port housings are coupled together.

E9. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, wherein the first porthousing includes a first receptacle receiver sized and shaped forselectively receiving a portion of an adapter therein, the first portand first receptacle receiver being arranged such that when the firstconnector is coupled to the first port and the adapter is received inthe first receptacle receiver, an end of the first connector is receivedby the adapter, and wherein the second port housing includes a secondreceptacle receiver sized and shaped for selectively receiving a portionof the adapter therein, the second port and second receptacle receiverbeing arranged such that when the second connector is coupled to thesecond port and the adapter is received in the second receptaclereceiver, an end of the second connector is received by the adapter.

E10. The auxiliary port device of feature E9, further comprising theadapter.

E11. The auxiliary port device of feature E10, wherein the first andsecond connectors are first and second optical connectors and theadapter is configured to receive one of a MPO-type optical connector, aSC-type optical connector, or a SN-type optical connector.

E12. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, wherein each of the firstand second ports includes a latch retainer disposed on an exterior ofthe respective first or second port housing, each latch retainer beingconfigured to be engaged by a latch of the respective first or secondconnector to secure said respective first or second connector to therespective first or second port, each latch retainer being configured toengage and deflect the latch of the respective first or second connectoras said respective first or second connector is inserted in an insertiondirection into said respective first or second port.

E13. The auxiliary port device of feature E12, wherein each latchretainer includes a deflection surface that slopes outward as it extendsin the insertion direction, the deflection surface being configured toengage and deflect the latch of said respective first or secondconnector.

E14. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, wherein the first porthousing includes a first identification insert mount disposed on anexterior of the first port housing to visually correspond to the firstport, wherein the second port housing includes a second identificationinsert mount disposed on an exterior of the second port housing tovisually correspond to the second port, the auxiliary port devicefurther comprising a plurality of identification inserts, eachidentification insert including indicia identifying a connector type,each identification insert including an identification insert couplerconfigured to couple to the first or second identification insert mountsto attach said identification insert to the respective first or secondport housing such that said identification insert provides a visualindication of the type of the respective first or second connector to bereceived by the respective first or second port.

E15. The auxiliary port device of feature E14, wherein the first andsecond connectors are first and second optical connectors and theindicia identifies a MPO-type optical connector, a SC-type opticalconnector, or a SN-type optical connector.

E16. The auxiliary port device of feature E1, further comprising amounting bracket for mounting the first and second port housings on themultiport device.

F1. A connector for being plugged into a port of a port device, the portdevice further comprising an adapter of a defined type operativelyaligned with and inboard of the port, the connector comprising: anconnector end assembly defining a connection end of the connector, theconnector end assembly comprising: a connector end housing, a ferruleassembly received in the connector housing, and a movable latchyieldably biased to a latching position relative to the ferrule assemblyand movable relative to the ferrule assembly from the latching positionto an unlatching position, the connector end assembly configured to beoperatively latched in another adapter of the defined type separate fromthe port device to make a communication connection to the ferruleassembly, the movable latch being configured to retain the connector endassembly in said other adapter in the latching position and beingconfigured to move relative to the ferrule assembly from the latchingposition to the unlatching position to unlatch the connector endassembly from said other adapter; and a port engagement portion spacedapart along a longitudinal axis from the ferrule assembly toward a cableend of the connector, wherein the connector is configured so that whenthe connector is plugged into the port of the port device: the ferruleassembly is received in the connector receptacle of the port device; theport engagement portion engages the port device to releasably retain theconnector in the port; and the latch is held in the unlatching position.

F2. A connector for being plugged into a port of a port device, theconnector comprising: a ferrule assembly defining a connection end ofthe connector; and a port engagement portion spaced apart from theconnection end of the connector along a longitudinal axis of theconnector toward an opposite cable end of the connector, the portengagement portion including: a port insert body sized and shaped forbeing received in an opening to the port when the connector is pluggedinto the port; and a rotational alignment element on the port insertbody configured to provide a visual indication of rotational alignmentof the connector with the port, the rotational alignment element beinglocated outside of a connector socket of the port when the connector isplugged into the port.

F3. A connector for being plugged into a port of a port device, theconnector comprising: a ferrule assembly defining a connection end ofthe connector; a rotational alignment key element spaced apart from theconnection end of the connector along a longitudinal axis of theconnector toward an opposite cable end of the connector; and a latchspaced apart from the rotational alignment key along a longitudinal axisof the optical fiber plug toward the opposite cable end, the latch beingconfigured for latching with a latch retainer of the port device toreleasably retain the adapter in the port.

F4. A port device configured to mate with connector comprising a movablelatch yieldably biased to a latching position and movable relative to aremainder of the connector to an unlatching position, the port devicecomprising: a port body having an outer end portion and an inner endportion spaced apart from the outer end portion along an axis in aplug-in direction, the port body including a port including an openingthrough the outer end portion of the port body, the port extending alongthe axis from the opening in the plug-in direction, the port beingconfigured so that the connector can be plugged into the port to matethe port device with the connector, the port body being configured toengage the connector to retain the movable latch in the unlatchingposition when the connector is plugged into the port.

F5. A port device configured to mate with a connector, the port devicecomprising: a port body having an outer end portion and an inner endportion spaced apart from the outer end portion along an axis in aplug-in direction, the port body defining a port including an openingthrough the outer end portion of the port body and a receptacle receiverthat opens through the inner end portion of the port body, the port bodyfurther comprising a latch retainer adjacent the outer end portion; andan adapter retained in the receptacle receiver; wherein the port deviceis configured so that the optical fiber plug can be inserted through theopening in a plug-in direction to mate the port device with the opticalfiber plug; wherein when the port device is mated with the connector, aferrule assembly of the connector is received in the adapter, a portbody of the optical fiber plug extends from the terminal port out of theopening, and a movable latch of the connector is configured to latchonto the latch retainer of the port body.

F6. A port device configured to interchangeably mate with an opticalfiber connector and an electrical connector, the port device comprising:a port body having an outer end portion and an inner end portion spacedapart from the outer end portion along an axis in a plug-in direction,the port body defining a port including an opening through the outer endportion of the port body and a receptacle receiver that opens throughthe inner end portion of the port body, the receptacle receiver beingsized and arranged for selectively receiving one of (i) an optical fiberadapter for forming an optical connection with the optical fiberconnector and (ii) an electrical adapter for forming an electricalconnection with the electrical connector, the port device furthercomprising a latch retainer configured to latch with a movable latch ofeach of the optical fiber connector and the electrical connector.

F7. A connector having a longitudinal axis, the connector comprising:one or more electrical contacts; a connector housing extending along thelongitudinal axis and having a front end through which the one or moreelectrical contacts are exposed for making an electrical connection, theconnector housing including a rotational alignment key at acircumferential alignment position about the longitudinal axis; a portcoupling body extending along the longitudinal axis along a rear endportion of the connector housing; and a latch configured for latchingwith a port device, the latch extending radially from the port couplingbody at said circumferential alignment position.

F8. An adapter for being received in a port device, the adaptercomprising a body having a first end portion and a second end portionspaced apart along a longitudinal axis, the body comprising a perimeterextending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis along thelongitudinal axis, the perimeter optionally having a perimeter footprintthat corresponds with a perimeter footprint of a standard adapter, theadapter further comprising: a first power pin protruding from the firstend portion of the body along a first pin axis parallel to thelongitudinal axis, a second power pin protruding from the first endportion of the body along a second pin axis parallel to the longitudinalaxis and spaced apart from the first pin axis; a third power pinprotruding from the second end portion of the body along the first pinaxis, and a fourth power pin protruding from the second end portion ofthe body along the second pin axis; wherein, optionally, the first andfourth power pins have a first polarity and the second and third powerpins have an opposite second polarity.

F9. A port assembly for operatively connecting first and secondelectrical connectors, wherein the first and second electricalconnectors are optionally adapted for use with a port device other thanthe port assembly that can interchangeably receive electrical adaptersand fiber optic adapters for selectively enabling electrical connectionsand optical connections, the port comprising: an electrical adaptercomprising a body extending along a longitudinal axis from a first endportion to a second end portion, the electrical adapter furthercomprising at least one first end electrical contact at the first endportion of the body and at least one second end electrical contact atthe second end portion of the body; a first port housing having an outerend portion and an inner end portion spaced apart along the longitudinalaxis, the first port housing having a first port extendinglongitudinally along the first port housing from the outer end portiontoward the inner end portion, the first port housing being configured sothat the first electrical connector can be plugged into the first port,the first port housing being configured to be operatively positioned atthe first end portion of the body of the electrical adapter such thatwhen the first electrical connector is plugged into the first port anelectrical connection is made between the first electrical connector andthe at least one first end electrical contact, the outer end portion ofthe first port housing having a latch retainer that is configured tolatch with a movable latch of the first electrical connector to retainthe first electrical connector in the first port; and a second porthousing having an outer end portion and an inner end portion spacedapart along the longitudinal axis, the second port housing defining asecond port extending longitudinally along the second port housing fromthe outer end portion toward the inner end portion, the second porthousing being configured so that the second electrical connector can beplugged into the second port, the second port housing being configuredto be operatively connected to the first port housing such that thesecond port housing is located at the second end portion of the body ofthe electrical adapter and such that when the second electricalconnector is plugged into the second port an electrical connection ismade between the second electrical connector and the at least one secondend electrical contact, the outer end portion of the second port housingcomprising a latch retainer that is configured to latch with a movablelatch of the second electrical connector to retain the second electricalconnector in the second port.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multiport device for connecting electricaland/or optical connectors, the multiport device comprising: a first porthousing including a plurality of first ports, each first port beingconfigured to receive and couple to one of the connectors; and a secondport housing including a plurality of second ports, each second portbeing configured to receive and couple to one of the connectors; whereinthe first and second port housings are releasably coupled together,wherein when the first and second port housings are coupled together,the first and second ports are aligned with each other such that acommunication connection is formed between first and second connectorswhen the first connector is coupled to one of the first ports and thesecond connector is coupled to one of the second ports corresponding tosaid one of the first ports.
 2. The multiport device of claim 1, furthercomprising a seal at an interface of the first and second port housings,the interface being formed when the first and second port housings arecoupled together, the seal being configured to form a fluid tight sealat the interface.
 3. The multiport device of claim 2, wherein the sealis a first seal and wherein the multiport device further comprises asecond seal at the interface, the second seal being configured to form afluid tight seal at the interface.
 4. The multiport device of claim 3,wherein the first and second seals are concentrically arranged.
 5. Themultiport device of claim 1, further comprising a coupler configured toreleasably couple the first and second port housings together.
 6. Themultiport device of claim 5, wherein the coupler comprises a fastener.7. The multiport device of claim 5, wherein the coupler is configured toengage the first and second port housings to prevent the first andsecond port housings from rotating relative to each other.
 8. Themultiport device of claim 1, wherein the first and second port housingseach have an outer end portion and an inner end portion spaced apartfrom the outer end portion.
 9. The multiport device of claim 8, whereinthe inner end portions of the first and second port housings engage eachother when the first and second port housings are coupled together. 10.The multiport device of claim 9, wherein each first port has an outeropening at the outer end portion of the first port housing and aconnector socket extending toward the inner end portion of the firstport housing from the outer opening, and each second port has an outeropening at the outer end portion of the second port housing and aconnector socket extending toward the inner end portion of the secondport housing from the outer opening of said second port.
 11. Themultiport device of claim 10, wherein the connector socket ofcorresponding first and second ports align with each other when thefirst and second port housings are coupled together.
 12. The multiportdevice of claim 1, wherein the first and second port housings areidentical.